Hail storms are no joke. They can create massive property damage and can pose a danger to anyone caught in them. Making sure you and your loved ones are not caught outside is priority number one.
But after a hail storm, what do you do next? It’s essential to take some necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your property and belongings. Knowing what to do immediately after a hail storm can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. So let’s dive into the five must-dos after a hail storm.
Inspect Your Property for Safety Purposes
After hail has hit, it’s crucial to ensure everything is safe. Be sure to check that the entire storm has passed before stepping outside once it’s secure and fit for any fallen tree branches or power lines on your property. If there are any hazards, call the appropriate authorities immediately.
It would be best if you were also on the lookout for structural damages to your home or buildings, such as holes in the roof or broken windows. If there are dangerous structural issues, take note of it and keep those areas off-limits until they can be repaired by a professional.
Scan Everything for Damages and Keep a Record
Once you have ensured the safety of your property, start scanning everything for hail damage.
This includes checking your:
- Roof
- Siding
- Windows
- Outdoor furniture or equipment
Knowing what has been damaged is essential for filing insurance claims and seeking hail damage repair. Take photos or videos of the hail damage to keep as a record, and list all damaged items. Providing proof of hail damage can make the insurance claims process smoother.
Check Your Car(s) for Dents and Broken Windows.
If you have any vehicles on your property, be sure to check them for hail damage as well.
A quick scan, while important, leaves room for missed hail damage. Be sure to look for tiny cracks or dents in the exterior, and check for any broken windows. If hail has damaged your car, it’s essential to call a professional auto hail repair service as soon as possible to fix the damage before it worsens.
While you might think hail damage can be costly, hail damage repair cost calculators are available online to help estimate the cost right from the comfort of your home.
File an Insurance Claim if Needed
If hail damage has affected your property or vehicle, filing an insurance claim is essential.
Filing a claim is where those pictures and records of hail damage come in handy. Be sure to contact your insurance company and provide proof of hail damage and a list of damaged items or vehicles.
Many auto hail repair centers can also work with your insurance company to make the process smoother for you and submit all the required documentation.
Make Your Property Ready for Another Hail Storm
Once the hail damage has been repaired and taken care of, it’s vital to ensure your property is ready for hail storm season.
This includes:
- Trimming any tree branches that could potentially fall on your home
- Fixing any structural damages to your home
- Ensuring all windows and doors are appropriately sealed
- Investing in hail-resistant roof shingles if your area frequently sees hail storms
By taking these precautions, you can help prevent hail damage in the future and keep your property safe. Remember, hail storms can be unexpected and dangerous. But by following these five must-dos, you can ensure the safety of your property and belongings.
