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Backyard Electrical Safety Tips

Pauline Hammerbeck — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:03:35 +0000

Memorial Day kicks off the summer season for many homeowners. And, chances are, this will be the beginning of many weekends spent barbecuing, enjoying a backyard swim or just doing yard work, home maintenance, landscaping and other projects outdoors. But whether you're taking a dip in the pool or planting flowers, it's important to remember that you are surrounded by electricity and that outdoor electrical safety shouldn't be overlooked. Here are some electrical safety precautions to consider when you're out in the back yard.

Pools and Electrical Safety

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, electrical hazards in and around swimming pools were to blame for 60 deaths and nearly 50 serious shocks over the past 13 years. The CPSC, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, has compiled the following electrical safety tips for preventing backyard fires, or any other potentially dangerous or life-threatening electrical situations that may occur.

Inspections. Before the warm weather arrives, have an electrician inspect the pool, spa or hot tub. Make sure all the equipment is in accordance with both the local codes and the National Electrical Code. Follow up with any necessary upgrades or repairs.
Locations. According to the NEC, all electrical wires and junction boxes need to be at least five feet away from the water. It is also important to know where all electrical switches and circuit breakers are located in case of an emergency.
Battery-operated devices. Having electronics around the pool can be dangerous. The CPSC recommends you use battery-operated devices around water instead of cord-connected devices.
Emergency plan. Have a detailed emergency plan posted around the pool, spa or hot tub area. This plan should outline the necessary course of action you should take if someone is suffering from an electric shock.
Weather ready. Do not swim or hang out near the water before, during or after a thunderstorm. Water and lightning are a dangerous combination.

Outlets, Power Tools and Electrical Cord Safety

The CPSC recommends an annual check of outdoor electrical equipment, including:

Outlets. Check that each outlet has its own weatherproof outlet cover, and keep it closed when not in use. Also, make sure each outlet is powered by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which turns itself off if it senses a current leak or a short circuit. If you must use an outlet during wet weather, the CPSC suggests a "weatherproof while in use" cover, which keeps an outlet covered even when a cord is plugged in.
Electric garden tools. Avoid using corded power tools in wet or damp locations, advises the CPSC. The agency also suggests checking all tools for cord damage, such as cracks or exposed wires, and to make sure they are in good condition and operating properly. Use tools with insulated grips to avoid the potential of electric shock.
Extension cords. Use only extension cords that are rated for outdoor use; indoor cords can't withstand the weather conditions when they're used outdoors, and may become a fire or shock hazard. An estimated 3,300 residential fires originate from extension cords each year, according to the CPSC, so electrical cord safety precautions make good sense.

Tree Trimming and Landscaping Safety

Most experts advise leaving tree trimming to the professionals, particularly when the tree and its limbs are anywhere near a power line. But if you do plan to do some trimming, here are some safety reminders from the Electrical Safety Foundation International:

Always look up before raising a ladder or pole to make sure it won't come within 10 feet of a power line, says the Electrical Safety Foundation International; you do not have to touch a power line to be in danger.
Use wooden or fiberglass ladders outdoors; metal ladders conduct electricity.
Do not climb with tools in your hands, and be sure to wear safety equipment at all times.
Do not trim trees in dangerous weather conditions.

And an important general landscaping reminder: Call 811 before you begin any digging project. A federally mandated national number, 811 will connect you with a local call center that sends out a crew to identify underground utility lines. It's really the best way to make sure you don't inadvertently dig into one while planting a tree or shrub, or installing a deck or pool. Good electrical safety habits can help you to make sure your family, friends and neighbors are safe and free to enjoy a little outdoors time in your back yard this season. You might also like:

Safe Room: The Ultimate Secure Shelter [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:30:37 +0000

Safety is a significant issue for every homeowner and eliminating unsafe situations inside the home should be a top priority. Proper installation and usage of electrical and gas lines, carbon dioxide and fire alarms, and window and door locks are all important for day-to-day home safety. But what about extreme conditions? Tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards and even home invasion are all examples of severe situations in which families may benefit from a safe room. What is a safe room? Simply put, a safe room is a secure, reinforced, well-stocked room where individuals can go to avoid the risks and potential dangers that may arise in other parts of a home. But how do you create a safe room in your house? Our infographic provides some ideas: [infographic]

Fuel Your Grill with Man Power [VIDEO]

Brendan — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:15:34 +0000

In Episode 5 of our web series The UnReal Adventures of Ted and Traci, our heroes are enjoying the warm summer weather. Ted fires up his gas grill for a nice outdoor meal, but only after he’s “improved” it. It turns out, jet fuel doesn’t make for great steaks, but Ted's mistake helps illustrate some basics of grill safety. Check out all episodes of this web series (new episodes added weekly): Trailer - The UnReal Adventures of Ted & Traci Episode 1 - Om on the Road Episode 2 - Up in Smoke Episode 3 - Supercharged Episode 4 – Stranded Episode 6 - Staycation Transcript: ‘Grillmeister 7000' Ted: I can’t believe the neighbors got a Grillmeister 7000—that thing costs more than our car. But don’t be jealous, Traci: I’ve been working on something even better. Ted: I made just a few adjustments to our old grill… Now it runs on manpower!! Traci: Manpower, huh? Then what’s in the tank? Ted: Just a little something I like to call JET FUEL! YEAH! Let’s get this baby fired up! Ted: Hurry up, babe! Go get the steaks! Traci: So… Wanna order a pizza? Voiceover: Don’t add fuel to the fire. Connect with me on Google+ or follow me on Twitter

King of the Grill: Serving Up Grill Safety [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:00:34 +0000

Throughout the United States, Memorial Day signifies the start of summer. This federal holiday is observed annually to honor American soldiers who gave their lives in defense of this country. One of the grand traditions associated with Memorial Day weekend is cooking food on an outdoor grill, enjoying the weather and spending time with friends and family. Grilling and barbecue can be fun and tasty, but certain safety precautions are a must. The infographic below provides some general grill safety information, grilling tips and common pitfalls to avoid to help ensure a safe holiday weekend. [infographic]

Market Madness [part 2]: Handling the Hassle of an Open House

Brendan — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:00:02 +0000

Last year, my wife and I put our home up for sale. It was our “five-year house” and we were in year 11, with two growing boys and a dog crammed into a home the size of an average two-bedroom apartment. In part 1 of this series, I detailed how we took our first steps in selling our house. The next step was actually showing the house. While we were lucky that most of our showings occurred in good weather during the summer, it was still a tedious process. First, our agent booked showings as soon as our listing hit the Multiple Listing Service and various real estate agent websites. She told us that we should expect a lot of activity and interest within the first two weeks, and then it dissipates from there, with most of the activity essentially expiring after the sixth week. And boy, was she right. We had a flurry of showings the first week, seriously testing our ability to keep our home in "showable condition" with a house full of active boys and an excitable dog. One of the keys to success was the decluttering we initially did, effectively removing most of the non-essentials that often make up the normal mess. The other was the 12-hour prior notification rule we established with our agent. That gave us just enough time to prepare our house -- and our dog -- for guests. One positive from this whole situation is that while we were cleaning and decluttering, it gave us a great opportunity to create a home inventory of all our stuff, which will be helpful when we update our insurance in our new home. Individual showings were fine, as we’d make sure to leave the house for 30 minutes or so, giving the potential buyers enough time to look around. But the next step was a bit more difficult: The Open House.

Open House

Our first open house was planned for the second weekend our home was on the market. But more to the point, we ended up doing five or six open houses during our extended time on the market…that’s where the good fortune of nice weather played an important role. While leaving your home for two to four hours during an open house is a minor inconvenience, doing it a half-dozen times with two kids and a dog during a busy summer full of sports and activities can be disruptive, to say the least. It’s a situation many home sellers may run into, and while going to a kid-friendly restaurant or birthday party center isn’t an option with a dog in tow, we came up with a great solution: On most "open house afternoons," we took the whole family to the local forest preserve park and enjoyed some quality family time in the great outdoors. On rainy days, we kept the dog at home in a secure pet carrier, and took the kids to local museums. Making the best of what can be a difficult aspect of the selling process can help your family handle an extended selling cycle. I can say with confidence that putting a little thought into the time we needed to be away from home during open houses made all the difference in both our morale and our ability to work through a longer-than-expected selling cycle.

Check out parts 3 and 4 of Market Madness in coming weeks for more insight into selling your home.

How to Do a Final Walkthrough Before Closing on a House

Lindsay Listanski, Coldwell Banker — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:16:49 +0000

When the home buying process is nearly complete, many buyers start relaxing and focusing on other details, such as purchasing new furniture and looking at paint samples.

But there is one more crucial step to take before closing on the house: a final walkthrough. This is the last chance before closing to make sure everything is in working condition. A final walkthrough can not only help you feel more confident about your purchase and avoid buyer's remorse, it can also pinpoint any last-minute problems that should be taken care of before settlement.

When to Schedule a Walkthrough

A house walkthrough should take roughly 30 minutes to complete, enough time for you to be extremely thorough. During this assessment, you should check for new issues that may have come up since the last time you viewed the home.

This is especially important if a major event, like a severe storm, occurred during that time period. Once you close on the home, previous owners are not obligated to fix new damages that may have occurred.

Be sure to schedule a timely walkthrough, about 24 hours before closing on a home, to address any potential problems.

What to Look For

At this time, you should check all major appliances to ensure they are in working condition. For example, consider turning on the dishwasher and washing machine, checking outlets and light switches and testing other basic operations. You might also request warranties and owners' manuals for appliances.

Look to see whether any fixtures the seller agreed to leave behind (a chandelier, for instance) are missing. Check to make sure any previously agreed-upon repairs have been made. Then, look over the general condition of the property, inside and out: Are there damages like scratched walls or floors that occurred when the homeowner moved out? Did they leave unwanted furniture or other things behind? Is the yard and overall property in good shape (or, rather, the condition it was when you last saw the home)?

Many industry professionals recommend that buyers bring a home inspector with them to seek out any problems, and to confirm that repairs were made as requested and to their satisfaction. For this kind of service, home inspectors will typically charge much less than their original inspection costs.

Take Action Quickly

If you do identify problems, you have a few options. First, you may choose to walk away from the deal altogether. However, most professionals encourage buyers to consider how significant the problem is before walking away. Is avoiding a $500 fix worth losing your dream home?

In other cases, you may choose to postpone the closing until the sellers fix the problem. If sellers balk at having the problem fixed, and the repair was agreed upon during negotiations, you do have legal recourse -- although it may be a good idea for the buyers and sellers to try to reach an amicable agreement to make the closing go more smoothly.

Take your time during a final walkthrough to ensure there are no surprises after the closing. Once this important last step is complete, take a deep breath, relax and smile: You are about to be the proud owner of a new home!

Guest blogger Lindsay Listanski is the social media manager for Coldwell Banker Real Estate , a leader in full service real estate sales.

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Green Moving Tips: How to ‘Eco-Boost’ Your Move

MyMove.com — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:22:44 +0000

If your resolution for 2013 was to curb your carbon footprint, you might find it a challenge when there's an impending move: the dozens of cardboard boxes, rolls of packing tape, the white ocean of Styrofoam packing peanuts, reams of plastic bubble wrap. Then there’s the moving truck that’ll haul thousands of pounds of your household goods to the other side of the city, or—cringe—across the state or country. However, if you’re moving, there’s a way to fulfill your resolution, celebrate April as Earth Month and take part in a popular trend: green moving. It’s household moving with a conscious effort to choose the most environmentally-friendly packing materials, share and reuse supplies, and reduce carbon emissions during transport. Read our tips for making your move green, as well as interesting statistics about how moving affects the environment. Also, find out what you need to do to make your household energy-efficient and start things off right in your new digs.

Get Smart about Supplies

The average move uses 60 cardboard boxes—that’s the equivalent of a half-ton tree. If you consider that an American moves 11 times in his or her lifetime, that’s 660 boxes, or 5 1/2 tons of wood, per person. Reusing a friend’s cardboard boxes is a good first step. Depending on quality, a cardboard box can withstand three to 10 uses, at which point it will likely need to be recycled. But there are some more eco-friendly alternatives to cardboard boxes, as well as other traditional packing materials.

Recycled plastic bins. Ask your mover if they offer reusable bins made out of recycled plastic. Plastic bins can be used up to 400 times. They are typically stacked and wheeled into your place on a dolly, left there for you to fill, packed by the mover, and then left at your new place for a week or two for unpacking. The provider then collects the bins, and there’s no worry on your part about collapsing, recycling or donating cardboard boxes. If your mover doesn’t offer bins, there are plenty who do: RentAGreenBox.com, EZBins, EcoBox.com and Zippgo are just some examples. Prices range from $2.50 to $5 per 4-cubic-foot box, per week. (U-Haul charges $3 for a 4.5-cubic-foot box).
Biodegradable replacements. There are green alternatives to plastic bubble wrap, packing peanuts and foam wrap. Often, the alternatives are literally green in color, to alert you to the difference. As effective as their polystyrene forebears, green packing peanuts are made from bioplastics, a form of plastic derived from renewable sources like vegetable oils or corn starch. A 12-cubic-foot bag of green peanuts costs $19 at Uline. Geami wrap, a die-cut recycled paper split by a machine to form protective packaging, is another alternative to bubble wrap.
Getting creative with what you have. Perhaps the most resourceful way to securely pack your fragile belongings is to wrap them with towels, bedding and clothing you already have lying around the house. It’s a two-fer because you need to pack these items anyway. Check out this visual tutorial on how one woman used her scarf collection to pack breakable picture frames.

Know Your Shipping and Fuel Options

Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance will greatly affect the amount of gas your moving truck uses and the carbon dioxide it emits. How much stuff you have, the size of truck you use, and the way you drive will also make a difference—a small truck gets about 9 mpg while a large truck gets roughly 5 mpg. According to carbon dioxide calculations from the Environmental Protection Agency, and based on average truck sizes from national carriers, a short-distance move under 10 miles using a small truck will emit 22 pounds of CO₂; the same move with a large truck will emit 40 pounds. Conversely, a cross-country move of 3,000 miles in a small truck will emit roughly 6,500 pounds of CO₂, while the same move in a large truck will emit almost twice that at 11,760 pounds. Whether you’re staying in the neighborhood or accepting a job offer on the other side of the country, you can look for greener options.

Biodiesel fuel. Some moving companies have converted their trucks to run on biodiesel fuel. Ask each mover who gives you an estimate—you should get an estimate from at least three different companies—if they’ve made the upgrade.
Car shipping via rail. Do you have to transport your car? Instead of having it shipped by truck, consider train transport. On average, trains are four times more fuel-efficient than trucks.
Declutter and donate. Lighten the load. The less stuff you have to ship, the smaller truck you can use and the less waste you’ll pump into the atmosphere.

Start New Habits in Your New Home

Once you’re in your new home, get into a habit of saving energy, creating less waste and recycling. Here’s a checklist for getting started.

Replace incandescent light bulbs around the house with CFLs (compact fluorescent lights), or, better yet, LEDs (light-emitting diodes). CFLs require less energy than incandescents, but LEDs blow the CFLs away in terms of efficiency, and, unlike CFLs, they don’t contain mercury.
Stop air leaks under doorways, window panes and out of the roof. Get a professional to inspect these areas and give you recommendations for how to fix them.
Unplug appliances, electronics and phone chargers when not in use. Buy power strips to make unplugging several electronics at once a one-switch process.
Everyone knows to recycle. Need a new hobby? Start composting your organic refuse.
Upgrade to ENERGY STAR appliances, which have met energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA
Generate renewable energy by installing solar panels on your roof. Solar panels may require a large investment up front, but eventually they offer clean, renewable energy sans the electricity bills.

Cheers to Mother Nature! Carolyn McKibbin leads the MyMove.com editorial team. Her raison d'être is to make moving easier by providing insightful and time-saving advice in articles, videos and blog posts. She loves to share moving stories and photos on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Recommended By the Editors:

The Essential Guide to Renting a Storage Unit

Jenny Zhang, SpareFoot — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:00:28 +0000

Many of us, at one point or another, will use self-storage. Whether it be for college, moving, general storage or downsizing, self-storage remains a viable option for those with simply too much stuff. Though, if you’ve never used self-storage before, the process can seem overwhelming: What is climate control, and do you need it? What should you bring on the day of move-in? Will you end up on Storage Wars? If these questions have ever crossed your mind, keep reading for a comprehensive guide to renting a storage unit.

Where to Start

If you don’t already have a storage facility in mind, the Yellow Pages, Google and websites like SpareFoot are wonderful places to start. Many local facilities offer promotions, deals and discounts on storage, so it can be valuable to do research on the various options in your area before making a choice.

Understanding Climate Control

With more and more storage facilities offering climate control, it’s important to understand exactly what it is and how it can help you. The most basic level of climate control guarantees that your storage unit will remain within a certain temperature range. This will often mean anywhere between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Some facilities also offer humidity control in tandem with climate control, so ask your facility representative if you’re unsure. If you’re storing temperature-sensitive items like wine, wood or leather furniture, vehicles or artwork, climate control is a must; swings and extreme highs or lows in temperature can affect the quality of your possessions. Additionally, you may want to avoid plastic bags -- a sealed plastic bag can foster humidity, especially if you haven’t properly dried whatever item you’re storing before wrapping it in plastic.

Renting a Truck

Again, depending on the amount and size of possessions you’re looking the store, you may or may not need a truck. Many storage facilities offer deals involving free or discounted trucks and other necessary moving equipment, so make sure you make a point to ask.

Know Your Insurance Plan

It's crucial to insure your belongings if you're planning to store for a long term, and especially if you're keeping expensive items in storage. Check with your agent first to clarify if your existing homeowners or renters insurance policy will cover your stored possessions; while most do, the extent of coverage can vary by insurance company. In many cases, the storage facility may also offer its own coverage. Regardless of which provider you choose, make sure you read the respective insurance policy and rental lease carefully for any fine print to make sure you understand.

A Word on Storage Auctions

If you’re worried about ending up on Storage Wars or Auction Hunters, take note: Storage facilities can only auction off the contents of a unit when the tenant stops paying rent. Even then, the storage facility is required by law to notify the tenant through either public notice, post or electronic mail. The delinquent tenant can pay for their unit at any point during this process, thus cancelling the need for the auction. The process can vary slightly by state, though, so if you’re worried that your chaise will end up on TV, make sure you familiarize yourself with your state’s laws. Overall, however, if you pay your fees on time, you shouldn’t ever have to worry about losing your valuables to an auction.

Security

Before you commit to a storage facility, take a tour and ask about the electronic systems. Do the grounds have video surveillance? Is there gate access? Ask about the neighborhood, or do some research online if you’re unsure.

Locks

Most self-storage facilities will require you to use your own lock, so don’t let that be the one thing you forget on move-in day! Stay away from standard or combination padlocks, as these can be easily picked or broken. Stick with a closed-shackle padlock, disc lock or cylinder lock.

Unit Sizing

If you’re storing heavy or large objects, it can often be worth the extra money to rent a unit on the ground floor. Additionally, choose a larger-sized unit if you plan on "visiting" your items often. This gives you walking space and will make your life exceptionally easier. Don’t forget to take advantage of the height of the unit, which usually ranges from 8 to 12 feet. Store vertically, with heavy boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes at the top. As always, if you’re unsure about the best size for your belongs, describe your stored items to your facility or a SpareFoot representative, and they’ll help you figure out the appropriate size.

Know What You Can’t Store

This includes animals, perishables, firearms (varies by state, make sure you check first), explosives, flammable items, noxious or hazardous materials, and stolen property. Again, if you’re unsure, ask the facility manager before going forward. Jenny Zhang is a writer at SpareFoot, the online marketplace where you can find and reserve a self-storage unit with comparison shopping tools that show real-time availability and exclusive deals.

Spring is Here: Get Your Home Ready!

Melissa — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:32 +0000

Spring weather was a little late in arriving in many parts of the country this year. Chances are, by now, you're probably seeing some daffodils and tulips and hearing birds singing in the budding trees. The arrival of spring brings thoughts of spring cleaning -- and getting some maintenance projects under way before summer means you'll be able to relax and enjoy your home by the time spring gives way to summer. Here are some home maintenance tips to help you welcome the arrival of spring weather.

Weatherstripping

The U.S. Department of Energy says weatherstripping the windows on your home is an easy and effective way to save money on your energy bill. Weatherstripping is a material you can apply around your window and door frames to ensure there's a good seal. During the harsh winter months, it can help keep the warm air inside the house, and the cold drafts out. In the spring and summer, weatherstripping works the opposite way, helping to keep the cool air inside and the warm air out. If you didn't install weatherstripping before the winter cold set in, you may want to take this opportunity to seal your windows before you have to turn on the air conditioner -- which could help save you money on your energy bills year-round. In the summer, if the cool air is contained inside, then the AC will not have to work as hard, and that may help you save money on your energy bill. The same can be true of your furnace when winter rolls back around. Thinking about installing weatherstripping? The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you apply weatherstripping to clean, dry surfaces in temperatures above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Click here for more information.

Indoor Maintenance

Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition, an opportunity to sweep the cobwebs from your home, clear out the dust that accumulated during the winter and let the sunshine in. While you’re up to your elbows in soap, washing the windows, defrosting the refrigerator and tackling what seems to be a never-ending list of spring cleaning chores, you might as well make a maintenance checklist, too. On those warmer days, you may want to do the following: Test and clean ceiling fans. According to the the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, an efficient ceiling fan in each room you want to cool can help allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees Fahrenheit without reducing your comfort level. Ceiling fans are not only a good way to air out the house and generate a cross-breeze, but they have the potential to help you save money on your energy bill. With ceiling fans keeping the house cool, you may not have to turn up the AC as high. So, now might be a good time to make sure your fans are clean and ready to start cooling you off this spring. Replace your AC filter. While the warm weather is still technically several weeks away, you want to make sure your air conditioner is prepared and ready to go. The National Center for Healthy Housing recommends you replace the filters in the air conditioner in the spring. A new filter will optimize the efficiency of the unit. Replace torn or damaged window screens. If you don't have an air conditioner, or if you simply like to keep the windows open in the spring and summer, it's a good idea to make sure your screens are in good shape -- you don't want to let flies in with all that fresh air! Winter storms and wind can damage window screens, so it may be a good idea to assess any damage and replace what needs to be fixed. Exterior Upkeep Your window screens aren't the only parts of your home that can fall victim to nasty winter weather, so you may want to take stock of your home's condition. The National Center for Healthy Housing suggests that in the springtime, you may want consider these outdoor maintenance projects: Check your roof shingles. This should be done by a licensed professional, as working on the roof can be dangerous without the proper training. You should ask the roofing professional to make sure the shingles are not curling or clawing. If they are, they are susceptible to leaks and may need to be replaced. Replace rotten siding or trim. Make sure your home's siding and trim aren't damaged from windy, icy conditions. If your home is made of brick or stucco, look for any crumbling or deteriorated mortar. If you find a problem, contact a professional for help with repairing or replacing the damaged materials. Clean gutters and downspouts. You're making sure the inside of your home is clean; why not make sure your gutters are, as well? Get rid of any leaves of other debris that accumulated during the winter to make sure your gutters and downspouts are ready to take on those April showers. This job, too, is best left to a professional, as climbing on a ladder is required. So, now's the time to get those spring maintenance projects under way. By the time those May flowers start to bloom, you will be able to enjoy them with the peace of mind of knowing your home maintenance is up-to-date. If you need a reminder to perform maintenance tasks at your home, click here to sign up for the Allstate Maintenance Reminder tool.

Lessons From The World’s First Indoor Hailstorm

Pauline Hammerbeck — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:54:45 +0000

Who would take the time to fashion hailstones from a mix of tap water and seltzer water in a special laboratory, and then fire them at a variety of roofs, windows and doors from air cannons? Isn't that painstakingly detailed work? Of course. But the scientists at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in Tampa, Fla., decided to do just that as part of a major study to help homeowners, manufacturers of home products and others better cope with this natural disaster.

Orchestrating an indoor hailstorm

The IBHS has a huge indoor facility measuring a half-acre across and 70 feet high at its existing research center in South Carolina. It sent scientists into the field to study hailstorms in six states to gather a variety of data, as hail varies in size, shape and hardness. Then, in February, after creating hailstones that closely mimics those produced by Mother Nature, it orchestrated the first-ever full-scale indoor hailstorm. Within a four-minute time span, the IBHS used ice and air cannons to fire 9,000 pieces of man-made balls of ice (some as large as 2 inches in diameter) at top speeds of 76 mph at a test house featuring different roofing and siding materials, windows, and doors, along with a car and outdoor furniture to replicate a residential setting. IBHS Hailstorm Demonstration Highlights from IBHS on Vimeo. The goal was to achieve conditions present in a typical super-cell thunderstorm known to produce hail. While IBHS has only begun to analyze the results, it has found that the damage was confined mostly to roofs, and particularly to soft areas with less coverage, similar to what researchers found during “real” outdoor hailstorms in the field. This spring, the Institute is collecting more data, and it plans to bring back damaged housing parts to its research center to determine their longevity once hail has wrecked havoc. Spring Means Hail Season Hailstorms are common in the spring, because of the season's frequency of thunderstorms with strong, tilted updrafts, which are known for producing hailstones--some as big as marbles and balls. But they can happen anywhere, and at any time. According to the IBHS, the U.S. experiences more than 3,000 hailstorms a year, resulting in more than $1 billion in damages. "Hail Alley” -- which runs from Texas north through the middle of the country to the Dakotas -- is particularly prone. Hail Preparedness Tips for Homeowners So, what can you do to prepare for the next hailstorm? According to the IBHS, you should consider these precautions:

As soon as a hailstorm starts, if it's safe, move vehicles under cover and move outdoor furnishings indoors.
During a hailstorm, stay indoors and stay clear of windows; they may break.
After a hailstorm, inspect your property for signs of hail damage; snap photos to document the impact.
If you plan on a replacing a roof, the IBHS recommends using materials that are “impact resistant,” specifically those with a Class 4 rating from Underwriters Laboratories' 2218 standard. (Siding, window and door products aren't yet graded this way.)
Be sure to hire a reputable contractor. Before you hire anyone, check references; ask for proof of certification or licensing, and be sure they’re bonded and insured, too. “Some ‘storm chasers’ are not reputable, demanding money up front, then disappearing,” says Julie Rochman, president and CEO of the IBHS.

It can also be a good idea to stay on top of changing weather. Sign up for email or text weather alerts, or get a weather radio, to alert you to emerging weather hazards and reports of hail in your community. Recommended by the editors: