Essential tips to prepare for a hailstorm

by Staff Bona

Although we are exiting spring and heading into summer, this is not stopping Mother Nature from presenting cold and wet weather. Parts of Johannesburg recently experienced a freak hailstorm that left injuries and damage to property.

Many Jozi residents took to social media to share media of the damage the hailstorm caused:

To avoid the above freak accidents, here are a few essential tips to prepare for a hailstorm.

McCoy’s – an American contract roofing business – suggests a few short-term and long-term steps to follow:

Short-term steps

  • Gather your family members and pets into a room where the windows are closed and the blinds and shutters are drawn to protect you all from broken glass until the storm has passed.
  • Try to park your vehicles in a protected area, and if possible, use an impact-resisting windshield cover to reduce the knocks it may take.
  • If you take pride in your plants, it is best to bring your potted or hanging plants inside.
  • Patio furniture should also be moved inside your home. Not only can it be damaged but it can also be blown into your home, causing further harm.

Long-term steps

  • Remove any and all debris from your property that could become airborne during a hailstorm and fall on your home.
  • When you have a chance, inspect your roof and repair any loosened or damaged shingles or tiles.
  • Trim shrubs and dead or damaged tree branches that can easily break and cause further damage.

The Personal – a Canadian company that provides home and auto group insurance – also shares a few essential tips to prepare for a hailstorm:

  1. If you find yourself outdoors during the storm, stay away from tall objects such as large trees, towers, metal fences or poles, as the storm is often accompanied by lightning. If there is nowhere to take shelter, crouch down and protect your head and neck with your arms.
  2. It is highly recommended that those who are indoors  make use of a flashlight instead of candles, which can be a fire hazard. If you experience a power outage, unplug electronics and appliances to avoid damage from a power surge.
  3. Motorists are encouraged to find a place to pull over safely and protect themselves in case the car’s windows shatter. You should also be on the lookout for flooded areas, as the combination of hail and heavy rain can block storm drains and cause flash flooding.

Also see: 5 Tips to help you prepare for a music festival