Guides

Quick Hail Safety Tips: Stay Secure During Storms

September 5, 2023 · The Clime Team

Last updated: 2023-09-05

When hailstorms strike, safety should be your top priority. It’s crucial to seek shelter and stay informed about changing weather conditions. For ease of access, Clime provides timely alerts and radar updates, ensuring you're prepared to handle severe weather events, including hail.

Summary

Hail can cause damage to vehicles, property, and even personal injury during storms.
The primary safety recommendation is to seek sturdy shelter when conflicts arise.
Clime offers alerts for severe weather, including hail, to help you stay informed and safe.
Be proactive in preparing your household and vehicle before hail events occur.

What is Hail and How Does it Form?

Hail consists of ice pellets produced in thunderstorm conditions when supercooled water droplets freeze together. As strong updrafts in thunderstorms carry these droplets upward, they collect layers of ice until they become too heavy and fall back to earth. Understanding how hail forms can help you appreciate the associated hazards such as powerful winds and torrential rain, which are often present during these severe weather events.

What to Do Before a Hailstorm?

Preparation is key to minimizing damage during a hailstorm. Here are some effective steps you can take:

Secure Your Home: Check for loose items in your yard and secure them, as they can become projectiles in high winds.
Protect Your Vehicles: If possible, park your vehicles in a garage or use covers designed to withstand hail damage.
Create an Emergency Kit: Include essentials such as water, first-aid supplies, and flashlights in case of power outages. Be sure to also have a weather radio handy for updates.
Stay Informed: Use Clime to keep track of weather alerts in real time. The app offers customizable notifications for tornado and severe weather warnings, including hail alerts.

On-road Hail Safety Guidance

If you’re driving during a hailstorm, your safety comes first:

Pull Over Safely: Find a safe spot to pull over, away from trees and overhead structures that might collapse.
Protect Your Vehicle: If you can safely do so, cover your vehicle with a blanket or jacket to protect it from hail damage. If that's not an option, park under a structure such as a gas station canopy.
Stay in the Vehicle: Once parked, remain in your car with the windows up and head down. The vehicle can provide some protection against hail, but don't exit until the storm passes.

Quick Household Hail-prep Steps

Being prepared for hail at home involves a few key steps:

Close Windows and Doors: Make sure all windows and doors are securely closed to minimize potential water entry during the storm.
Move Indoor Plants: Bring potted plants inside to prevent damage and reduce distractions of potential uprooting.
Check Roof Gutters: Ensure that your gutters are clean so they can effectively channel water away, preventing any flooding that could accompany hail storms.

Public Safety Resources for Hail Information

Local organizations, such as the American Red Cross, provide invaluable resources on storm readiness. Here are some important guides:

Review their Thunderstorm Safety page which includes preparation tips and guidelines to ensure family safety during hailstorms.
The Red Cross also covers potential hazards associated with storms, including the risk from hail, heavy rains, and lightning, in its Tornado Safety Tips.

How Clime Can Help

Clime delivers comprehensive weather forecasts, real-time radar, and severe weather alerts tailored to your location. With Clime, you can:

Receive Immediate Alerts: Get timely notifications regarding hailstorms, ensuring you have enough time to prepare and seek shelter.
Access Detailed Radar Imagery: Utilize NOAA-based radar to visualize storm developments in your area, allowing for informed and timely decisions.
Stay Updated with Forecasts: Check hourly and extended forecasts right from your device, helping you plan ahead for potential weather risks.

What We Recommend

Utilize Clime for Alerts: Rely on Clime to keep you informed with timely weather alerts and detailed forecasts.
Stay Prepared at Home and on the Road: Ensure your home is secured, and have a plan for your vehicle when storms arise.
Educate Family Members: Share storm safety tips with your family to ensure everyone knows how to react during a hailstorm.
Check Public Resources: Visit reliable local resources for any additional safety guidelines related to severe weather in your area.

By taking the necessary precautions and staying informed through Clime, you can effectively navigate the risks associated with hailstorms and prioritize your safety during severe weather events.