Hailstorms are a part of life here in the Texas Panhandle.
Sweeping thunderstorms often bring ice pellets that range from the size of small granules up to the size of softballs. These ice pellets can do a lot of damage to property.
While there is nothing we can do to stop the hail from coming, there are a few things you can do to prepare your property for these events.
- Trim trees near buildings. Hail hits everything in its path, including trees. If you have trees near your home, commercial or farm buildings, you need to take special care to keep them trimmed and healthy. A hail storm can bring down branches, which could easily drop into the building. Twigs can become flying projectiles that can cause damage to buildings and living things in their path.
- Get a roof inspection. The roof of your building is where the hail is going to have its biggest impact. It needs to be in good repair and strong enough to sustain the impact. You should hire a professional roofer to inspect the roof and see if repairs are needed.
- Park your cars under covered areas. Cars and trucks left in the open will sustain damage during a hail storm. Heavy ice pellets can leave dings on the vehicle’s chassis and even break glass. Keeping cars and trucks in covered areas such as a garage or workshop will prevent this type of damage.
- Purchase adequate insurance. The last place you want to be is stuck with inadequate insurance when the next hail storm hits. Work with your insurance agent to ensure that your residential and commercial property has adequate coverage.
- Provide shelter for outdoor pets and farm animals. Heavy hail can cause injury to animals. Some of those injuries can be life-threatening. To prevent these injuries, outdoor pets and farm animals should have shelter during heavy storms.
- Have a preparedness plan in place. Hailstorms often take out power lines and other utilities. They can bring down trees, blocking roads and preventing emergency services from getting to your home or business. You need a preparedness plan in place that outlines emergency evacuation procedures and includes a disaster survival kit.
No one wants to have a hailstorm hit their home or business. However, it could happen anytime during the storm season here in the Panhandle. Being prepared gives you the protection you need and the ability to address problems as they arrive.
Does your business have hail damage? Find out what your claim options are. Give us a call today!