What To Do In the Midst of a Hail Storm
While Driving
If you are driving when chucks of ice start bouncing off your windshield the first thing you need to do is pull over. Find a place to park: a garage, under an overpass, a bridge, or any place that can be use for shelter. This can lower the risk of damage to your vehicle.
Once you’re safely off the road, or away from other traffic, stay in your car until the hail storm passes. Do not exit your car because hail can hit you on the head and cause a concussion, or cause you to slip and fall.
In causes of severe hail storms, stay as far away as possible from windows and protect your eyes. Hail can break through a car’s windows sending glass shrapnel everywhere. Cover yourself with anything that can protect exposed skin, eyes, and your head. For small children, keep them close and cover them with your body from possible glass debris.
In Your Home
If you are home when a hail storm breaks, stay indoors. Going outside to see the hail storm is dangerous, because large hail can cause serious or even fatal injuries. Bring any pets you may have indoors and stay away from windows being hit by hail.
Avoid electrocution from lightning by not using phones or any electrical devices during a severe weather storm.
Out In the Open
If you are outside during a hail storm, seek shelter immediately! Find a place to hide under, if you can’t find a place to protect your whole body then find something to protect your head.
Stay away from culverts and lowland areas, because they can quickly fill up with water in a flash flood scenario.
Hiding under a tree should be your last resort! During a hail storm, tree branches can break off and fall on you. Plus, trees attract lightning.
What To Do After a Hail Storm
Assess the Damage
The roof of your home usually takes the most damage during a hail storm. Getting on top of your roof to inspect for damage can be dangerous, but there are ways to check without having to climb a ladder. If you have trees, plants, or shrubs around your house, check to see if they have been stripped of their foliage. If they have been beaten by hail to the point where they look bare then there is a high possibility that the roof of your home has been damaged. Patio covers, screens or soft aluminum roof vents that show damage is also another warning sign that your roof may need repairs.
Checking to see if your car has been damaged is much easier because all you have to do is look to see if it’s covered in dents or if any windows have been broken.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3BwGy7d-no
Quick Repairs After a Hail Storm
Rain and hail usually come together, so even if the hail storm has passed a rain storm may be just around the corner. If your home, or vehicle, has been damaged by hail you must take steps to protect them from further damage.
Covering up any broken windows, or holes, in your home to prevent water damage. The same steps will protect your car’s interior from the elements.
Filing a Hail Storm Insurance Claims
Filing a claim with an insurance company can be a stressful situation. An insurance company may want to pay you the least amount possible. They may even try to deny your claim altogether! If you are put in a position where an insurance company does not want to pay the full amount of your claim, we recommend contacting an attorney immediately.