Page 11 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – Summer 2021

EXPLORE | AT HOME SUMMER 2021
Hail Tips to Stay Safe and Protect Your Property
Hailstorms hit with little warning and usually only last for about five minutes, but hailstones – frozen pellets of rain – can cause major damage in that short period of time. Protect yourself, your loved ones and your property by preparing for hail before it strikes.
There were 4,611 major hailstorms in the U.S. in 2020, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Most hailstones are about the size of a pea or marble, but they can get as large as a softball in a severe storm.
Hail of any size can damage your roof, dent your car and smash your windows. Because hail can occur anywhere in the country, everyone should include hail preparedness in their emergency plans.
FIND SHELTER
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Immediately seek shelter if you’re stuck in
a hailstorm. If you’re in a building, stay away
from windows and stay inside until the hail stops. If you’re outside, head for the nearest sturdy structure. If no shelter is available, try to find something to protect your head. Avoid seeking shelter under trees, where high winds and rain can cause limbs to fall to the ground.
If you’re in your car when a hailstorm hits and see a safe place close-by, such as a highway overpass or garage, drive to it as soon as you can. If no shelter is available, stop driving and pull off the road completely. Move away from car windows and cover your head with your arms and hands to protect yourself from any breaking glass.
A strong roof is the best way to protect your home from hail and other severe weather damage.
PROTECT YOUR CAR
Make sure you have the right insurance coverage – hail damage is part of comprehensive coverage, which covers physical damage to your vehicle not caused by a collision. Park your car in a covered spot whenever possible, especially if you live in an area prone to hail.
PROTECT YOUR HOME
A strong roof is the best way to protect your home from hail and other severe weather damage. Inspect your roof regularly and make necessary repairs as soon as possible. When replacing your roof, consider using material that has been tested for impact resistance.
AFTER THE STORM
Report damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. To the extent possible, prevent further loss to your property. Choose your contractor carefully. Make sure they are licensed, if required by your state.
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Get the coverage you need.
For more information on auto or home insurance, contact your AAA Insurance Agent at 1-800-222-1469, go to AAA.com/Insurance, or stop by your local AAA office.
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