A combination of preparation and quick action when a thunderstorm is about to strike can help you protect your home, business, or other property from hail-related damage.
If you do receive a severe thunderstorm watch or warning, always follow the guidance of local authorities.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR HAIL BEFORE THE STORM
- Move vehicles, outdoor furniture, and loose property inside. Do this before the storm strikes, if possible. Reducing exposure to hail and other storm-related risks can help keep your property safer.
- Bring pets indoors. Animals are particularly vulnerable to injury from hail if they cannot find secure shelter from the storm.
- Consider boarding up windows and covering skylights with tarps, blankets, or wooden boards. Windows that are exposed to heavy hail can crack or shatter. Installing a protective layer between them and the elements can help protect them.
- Park your vehicle under a cover or in a garage. A car or truck can easily become dented and windows can break if unprotected. If you live in a high risk area, you may want to consider using a hail cover to help reduce possible damage.
HOW TO STAY SAFER DURING A HAILSTORM
- Shelter indoors. Go to a secure location, such as a basement or central room, inside your house or other building. Stay clear of windows, walls, and furniture that can fall on you.
- Avoid travel. Hail, which often accompanies thunderstorms, contributes to dangerous travel conditions that are best avoided, if possible.
- If you get caught outside, head to a sturdy building immediately. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe, nor is sheltering beneath a tree. Being in a vehicle during a hailstorm is safer than being outside, but you should still seek better shelter if possible.
HOW TO STAY SAFER AFTER HAIL
- Be careful while walking or driving, and wear sturdy shoes. Unmelted hail is a tripping hazard that can also harm your feet. Hail of sufficient size can also damage car tires. When hail melts, it may produce slippery road or walkway conditions.
Practice Proactive Risk Management
Taking time to prepare for the effects of severe thunderstorms, especially hail, can help you keep yourself and your property safer during inclement weather. You’ll also enjoy some added peace of mind knowing that you have a plan if a thunderstorm heads your way.
If you do experience a loss, you can quickly start a claim online or in the MySelective mobile app. You can also call 866-455-9969 or contact your agent.