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Last updated on Wednesday, May 21, 2014
(UNDATED) - With a slight risk of severe weather today, there is a possibility of hail impacting area residents.
Hail could seem like a minor concern, but it can cause injury and damage to vehicles and homes in the form of shattered windows and damaged or destroyed roof coverings.
The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) offers the following six tips for residents to reduce damage and injury before, during and after a hail storm.
Staying Safe If Hail is Forecast
Before
1. If hail is forecast, close your drapes, blinds or window shades to prevent potential injury from broken glass blowing inside.
During
2. Do not try to go outside to protect your property during a storm. Stay indoors until the storm has passed.
3. Stay away from skylights, windows and doors.
After
4. After the storm has passed, verify that you can safely move around outside. Avoid any broken or downed branches and power lines.
5. Check the trees, shrubs and plants around your house. If they are stripped of their foliage, there is a possibility your roof is damaged. Dented patio covers, screens or soft aluminum roof vents could also indicate potential roof damage.
6. Cover any broken windows and holes in your roof to prevent water intrusion following hail damage.
Bonus tip: If you are caught outdoors during a storm, it is critical to avoid natural lightning rods such as tall, isolated trees in an open area or the top of a hill, and metal objects such as wire fences, golf clubs and metal tools.
For more information on protecting your home from hail, view our how-to video. For more home and family safety tips visit www.protect-your-home.org or www.flash.org.
About FLASH
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is the country's leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters. FLASH collaborates with more than 120 innovative and diverse partners that share its vision of making America a more disaster‐resilient nation including: BASF, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Florida Division of Emergency Management, The Home Depot, International Code Council, Kohler Generators, National Weather Service, Portland Cement Association, RenaissanceRe, Simpson Strong-Tie, State Farm™, USAA and WeatherPredict Consulting Inc. In 2008, FLASH opened the interactive weather experienceStormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes in Lake Buena Vista, FL. Learn more about FLASH and gain access to its free consumer resources by visiting www.flash.org or calling (877) 221- SAFE (7233). Also, get timely safety tips to ensure that you and your family are protected from natural and manmade disasters by subscribing to the FLASH blog - Protect Your Home in a FLASH.
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