7 Ways to Prepare for a Hailstorm

Hail can cause serious damage, and often comes with little time to prepare. Hailstone can cause damage to vehicles, roofs, siding, skylights, windows, outdoor furniture, and even fences. A little preparation before a storm can save you the hassle of making repairs later. Here are some things that you can do to prepare before the next storm.

1. Protect Your Vehicle Before a Hailstorm 

Vehicles can easily be damaged by hail, and the repairs can be expensive. If you are short on time, moving your vehicle should be a high priority.

If you have a garage, move your vehicle there. If you do not, find another secure spot to leave your vehicle. You can check if you can park it at a nearby parking garage. While parking your vehicle under a tree may seem like it might offer some protection, falling branches make this an area you want to avoid.

If you don’t have a garage or carport to move your vehicle to, consider using a hail protection kit or using moving blankets to give your vehicle some covering against the elements.

2. Move Outdoor Items 

Hailstorms often come during the summer months when you are enjoying your outdoor spaces the most. You may have a number of outdoor items, such as:

  • Patio furniture and cushions
  • Plant pots
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Pool toys
  • Sports equipment
  • Trampolines

These items could be damaged in a hailstorm, but they could also be picked up by strong winds. Consider moving these items to a safer location, such as inside a garage or storage shed.

3. Review Your Insurance Policy for Hail Coverage 

Examine your insurance policy to verify if you have hail coverage. You can also call your insurance agency if you have questions about your policy.

4. Charge Your Phones Ahead of Time   

Severe storms can knock out power. You may also be advised to stay away from electrical outlets due to power surges. Consider getting a power bank to provide more time to charge your devices if you lose access to power.


5. Inspect Your Roof

Check your roof for loose or missing shingles. Check surrounding trees and, if it is safe to do so, trim any branches that are overhanging or may fall on the roof during a storm.


6. Prepare an Emergency Kit 

Preparing an emergency kit ahead of time can help you save time. Consider including the following in your kit:

  • Flashlight
  • Portable radio with extra batteries (replace batteries regularly)
  • One gallon of water per person per day labeled with the storage date
  • Canned or non-perishable foods with a hand-operated can opener
  • Plates & utensils
  • First Aid Kit
  • At least one weeks supply of any medications
  • Spares of special items for family members (extra pair of eyeglasses, extra formula for infants, etc.)
  • Extra pet food, if applicable
  • Chargers for cell phones and power banks if applicable
  • Matches or lighter in waterproof container
  • Soap, hand sanitizer, or moist towelettes
  • Extra cash
  • Multitool
  • Tarps
  • Extra Blankets

 

7. Make a Plan 

Be sure everyone in your household has a plan for where to take shelter, and knows where you keep the emergency kit.

While You’re At It, Shop Insurance Quotes for Your Home  

Requesting an insurance quote for your home is as simple as filling out our form here. If you would prefer to call someone to start the quoting process, you can find a list of our office phone numbers here. With offices in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and Florida, your local office may be closer than you think.

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.

 

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