Hailstorm Safety

Even though hailstorms occur mostly in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas, we get them occasionally here in Ohio as well. Most hailstorms occur in the months of April and May and again in September and October. Hail doesn't usually cause much property damage until it reaches around 1 inch in diameter, when it can damage your vehicles, home windows, siding and roof. The following tips can help you minimize your property damage as well as help you after the storm passes.

Before the storm:

• Listen to weather reports regularly
  

• Keep everyone inside until the storm passes


• Keep your vehicles inside a garage or under some type of protection if possible


• If caught in your vehicle, try to seek shelter under an overpass or large structure if possible. If not possible, pull over to the side of the road until the storm passes

After the storm:

• Check your trees, shrubs and plants, and if the hail stripped off the foliage, or patio covers, screens etc are dented, there's a good chance your roof is damaged also.

• Protect your home from any further damage by covering any broken windows or holes in the roof.


• Also check your vehicles for dents and broken glass, and cover the vehicle to prevent any further damage from rain.


• Call your insurance agent to report any damage and start the claim process.

If any repairs are needed:

• Choose a reputable company by checking them out through the Better Business Bureau and your local building department as to their reliability and references.

• Keep the number of people accessing your roof to a minimum - only your insurance adjuster and the roofers should be allowed in order to prevent further damage to your roof.


• And make sure your roofing company has worker's compensation and liability insurance, so that you're not held liable if one of their workers gets injured on your property or they cause damage to your neighbor's property.