Protect your Family and Home in Hail Storms

Staying safe in a hailstorm •If there is a hail storm in your area, make personal safety your first priority. Take shelter during the storm. Large hail can cause serious injuries. •Hail is often accompanied by strong winds and lightning, both of which pose their own dangers. •After the storm passes, keep in mind that windows may have been broken and high winds may have knocked down trees and power lines. Look for broken glass, sharp objects and any electrical wires. Be sure to wear proper shoes and gloves when walking around your property. •If necessary, protect your property immediately against further damage and theft. Use plywood, tarps or other materials to cover broken windows or holes in roofs. Keep receipts for reimbursement of all expenses covered by your insurance policy. Understanding hail damage •Hail is frozen precipitation that forms in storm clouds when super-cooled water droplets freeze on contact with dust or dirt in the air. Hailstones can be as small as the tip of a pen or as large as a softball. The larger they are, the more damage they can do.