This spring has been uncommonly stormy for most of the Midwest and South, with disastrous and often tragic results. Unfortunately, this week marks the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, which several hurricane experts predict will be worse than average. As the past month has proven, consumers cannot afford to let their guard down, and MetLife Auto & Home is offering free materials and tips that can help consumers prepare for—and ride out—a storm.

“Many people are unaware of simple measures they can take to protect themselves and their homes,” said Mike Convery, chief claim officer of MetLife Auto & Home. “Natural disasters—such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires—impact thousands each year. By taking a few practical steps, however, consumers can reduce the likelihood of damage to their property and loved ones.”

To help prepare against any disaster, MetLife Auto & Home suggests the following:

  • Prepare a disaster supplies kit. Disasters often occur with little warning, and being prepared in advance can alleviate a lot of stress. Prepare for power outages by stocking up on such necessities as food and bottled water, as well as a first aid kit, a portable radio, warm clothing, and clean blankets. In addition, keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy.
  • Develop an evacuation plan. Decide in advance where to go, if you need to evacuate your home. You might choose a friend’s home, a motel, or a shelter. Also, if possible, identify a safe evacuation route—and alternate routes. Remember that roads may be crowded and that bridges or causeways may be under water.
  • Take action to protect your property. There are a number of actions you can take to ensure that, in the event of a natural disaster, damage to your property can be mitigated or avoided altogether. There are also resources available, including www.fema.gov and www.redcross.org.
  • Take action to properly insure your property. In addition to making home improvements, make sure your property is adequately insured in the event of a loss, by having a quick conversation with a trusted insurance professional.
  • And, consider flood insurance. Flooding is nature’s most common natural disaster, affecting tens of thousands of homeowners each year, and it occurs in all 50 states, with up to 25 percent occurring in low-to-moderate-risk zones. However, flooding is not covered under the standard homeowners policy, although coverage is relatively inexpensive and can easily be purchased for a home or business, to cover both building and contents, subject to policy limitations. MetLife Auto & Home offers a comprehensive site on flood preparation, available at www.metlifeflood.com.
  • Assemble and secure important documents. Make sure you keep important documents, such as social security numbers, birth certificates, and insurance information in a safe, dry place. Also, consider making an inventory of your home contents. This is a step that’s often overlooked, but can be invaluable if you need to file an insurance claim.

For additional information, MetLife Auto & Home offers “Disaster Preparation,” a brochure created as part of MetLife’s Life Advice® series, which was developed with assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross. The brochure contains useful information on how to prepare against several natural disasters, such as hurricane, wildfires, and floods. It’s available by calling 1-800-MET-LIFE (1-800-638-5433) or online at www.metlife.com (choose “Disaster Preparation” under “Life Advice”).

MetLife Auto & Home is a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), a leading provider of insurance and financial services with operations throughout the U.S. and the Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions. For more information, please visit www.metlife.com.

MetLife Auto & Home is a brand of Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and its affiliates, Warwick, RI.

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