6 Things You Need To Do To When There Is A Hail Storm
Unlike other natural events that occur in certain seasons, hail storms can happen anytime throughout the year. Hail is formed from precipitation such as rain or snow that creates solid ice. It’s often during a strong thunderstorm that hail forms.
Hail forms in different sizes, the smallest type is pea-sized. When hail reaches the size of quarter coins, it becomes more dangerous; it’s also common to see hail the size of golf balls. Small hailstones fall at speeds of 9 to 25 miles per hour, while hailstones between an inch and 1.75 inches in diameter typically fall at speeds of 25 to 40 miles per hour. The most powerful, with a diameter of 2 to 4 inches, can produce hail at speeds of 44 to 72 miles per hour.
Now that you know a bit more about hailstorms, it’s time to know how to protect yourself from one; especially, that it can come down suddenly, finding yourself caught in the middle of one. Here are 6 things to do that will help protect you.
1.Prepare for the Hail
The local weather report will give you a warning that your area might be hit by hail. Use that information to start protecting yourself and avoiding possible home damages that are costly. You can start by checking your rooftop for any damage and repair problem areas. If you find any damage, you may need to contact a roofing contractor for assistance. Be sure to ask how long does it take to replace a roof if needed, so you can plan accordingly. Remove weak or loose tree branches that are in close proximity to your home. To avoid water damage, clean out the gutters and remove debris.
2.Shut Windows
There are different precautions to take and things to do depending if you are indoors or outdoors during a storm. If you are already indoors, make sure you shut all doors and windows. It’s quite possible that windows could get shattered from a severe storm, so draw the curtains or blinds to stay protected from any glass that gets broken and don’t stand near the windows. As with other types of storms, there’s a possibility that you will experience a power outage and a surge when the power comes back. It’s best to unplug appliances and other electrical devices so they don’t get damaged if a surge does happen.
3.Get Indoors
If you are outdoors during the onset of a storm, you need to get indoors as soon as you possibly can. Your best option is to find an enclosed building or structure of some sort. It might seem logical to use a tall tree as some sort of protection but it’s not, as hail storms are usually accompanied by lightning, and it’s common that trees get struck by lightning.
4.Protect Belongings
You also want to make sure that your material assets are protected from damage. This could be anything from your patio furniture, that should be moved to an enclosed space, to your vehicle that should be in your garage if you have enough time to park it there. But if you get caught in a hail storm while driving, pull over to a safe spot on the road and stay in the car. Remember that hail can fall so fast that it doesn’t have enough time to melt, which means your car can be easily damaged from falling hail. Stop driving and angle your car so that the hail aims at your reinforced window rather than the side or back windows, which are more prone to breakage. If your vehicle has been damaged during a storm, a hail stone damage repair on your car could include such things as repairing dents and a new paint job if needed. It’s possible that your car gets totaled, so it’s smart to have a repair plan in place.
5.Insure Property
People who live in areas prone to hail storms will find it more practical to ensure their home and car against hail storm damage. Your roof, in particular, can suffer serious damage, so it’s important to make sure you have the right insurance coverage. If you need help understanding your policy, you may consider consulting with a roof insurance lawyer. Be sure to check the homeowner’s and car insurance plans to see whether hail damage is covered. If it isn’t covered, you will need to look into separate insurance.
6.Document Damage
If damage has already been caused, document that damage as soon as possible after the storm. Videos and pictures will help you when it’s time to claim insurance. Keep in mind that insurance claims typically have a limit on when you can make a claim, so don’t delay getting in touch with your insurance agent.
Every year, around $1 billion is spent on hailstorm damage. There are a few things you can do to minimize the damage before, during, and after a hailstorm. While hail can hit unexpectedly, you can protect yourself against possible damages by taking some precautionary measures. This will prove to benefit you and your material assets.
Read more: After-Storm Checklist for Homeowners
Read more: How to Prepare Your Home for Bad Weather
Read more: Storm Debris Removal
