The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

MetLife Auto & Home Offers Free Information to Help Consumers Weather Spring Storms

    WARWICK, R.I.--April 3, 2003--After experiencing a record snowfall and cold weather, residents of many parts of the United States are looking forward with great anticipation to spring. However, the National Weather Service (NWS) warns that spring weather can also pack a powerful punch, particularly in the form of hail and tornadoes. To help weather the storms, MetLife Auto & Home is offering free brochures and posters to help protect loved ones and personal property.
    According to the NWS, Americans confront an average of 10,000 thunderstorms and 1,000 tornadoes each year. "These thunderstorms have the potential to produce hail, a destructive weather element which causes one billion dollars in damage annually," says Scott Hallworth, MetLife Auto & Home assistant vice president. Tornado season lasts from March through August - but tornadoes can occur at any time of the year. Hail often accompanies tornadoes and also can be a significant weather hazard through August.

    If you're caught in the midst of a hailstorm while you're driving:

-- Stop immediately and pull off the road under a safe overhang, like a garage, highway overpass, service station awning, or against the unexposed side of a building.
-- If you cannot reach an overhang, face your vehicle directly into the hail. Your windshield can endure more damage than the vehicle's side windows. Stay in the vehicle until the hail stops.

    If you're outside when a hailstorm strikes:

    -- Seek immediate shelter, but not under tall trees. Lightning
    frequently accompanies hailstorms, and lightning strikes
    taller objects first.

    If a tornado threatens while you're driving:

    -- Pull over and leave the vehicle immediately, seeking shelter
    in a sturdy building. If no safe buildings are nearby, get
    away from the car and stay low to the ground. Do not seek
    shelter under a highway overpass.

    If you're inside during a tornado or hailstorm:

    -- Close drapes, blinds and window shades to protect yourself
    from broken glass.

    -- Move away from windows to the innermost room on the lowest
    level of the building, and remain there until the storm is
    over.

    For those who are concerned about how to prepare for the next tornado or hail threat, MetLife Auto & Home offers a free brochure called "Preparing for Tornadoes." The brochure, part of MetLife's Life Advice(R) program, is designed to help people develop a disaster plan, understand how to stay safe if caught in a storm, act quickly should a tornado occur, and also lists helpful websites for additional information.
    The company also offers free posters about tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to educators and parents to assist children in developing good habits that can last a lifetime -- and quite possibly save their lives. Reviewed and endorsed by the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) and the American Red Cross, age-appropriate messages are delivered using the company's mascot Snoopy(TM) and other PEANUTS(TM) characters. To order a free poster or brochure, call 1-800-638-5433 (1-800-MET-LIFE).
    MetLife Auto & Home, an affiliate of MetLife, Inc. , is one of the nation's leading personal lines property and casualty insurance companies with more than 2.7 million policies in force. For more information about MetLife Auto & Home, contact your local MetLife Auto & Home provider or authorized Independent Agent, or visit MetLife's website at www.metlife.com.

    MetLife Auto & Home is a brand of Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and its Affiliates, Warwick, RI
    In Texas, some policies are provided by Metropolitan Lloyds Insurance Company of Texas.