The Allstate Blog » Hail

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:

National Preparedness Month: Be Prepared [SLIDESHOW]

Melissa — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:00:22 +0000

Don’t wait for a natural disaster or other catastrophe before you think about what your family would do in an emergency. September is National Preparedness Month, and it gives you the perfect opportunity to get ready for whatever Mother Nature may have in store. Whether it's a hurricane, a tornado, an earthquake, a wildfire or some other catastrophe, there are specific steps you can take to make sure you’re ready. [slideshow]

Practicing Home Safety During a Hailstorm

Pamela — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:40:41 +0000

We’ve all been there: The cooler’s filled with snacks, swimsuits are packed and the sky is a perfect shade of blue—until unexpected clouds roll in, sending rain and hail to ruin a relaxing day outside. But summer storms can do more than spoil a sunny afternoon. They can also wreak havoc on the exterior of your home, vehicles and other property.

To help protect your home—and yourself—from damage caused by hailstorms, consider these helpful maintenance tips:

1. Start home safety at the top

If you live in an area where hailstorms are prevalent, make sure your roof can withstand hail’s high impact. While no roof is completely hail-proof, Class 3- and Class 4-rated roofing materials will stand up to higher levels of hail damage, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) reports. As a bonus, installing a Class 4 hail-resistant roof may help you qualify for lower home insurance premiums. Keep track of the date your roofing was installed—and when its replacement is due. While most roofing should be replaced every 20 years or so, roofs in hail-prone areas may need replacing every 7-10 years.

2. Keep an eye on the calendar

Hailstorm season lasts from March to October, with the majority of storms taking place between May and August. About 3,000 hailstorms occur in the United States each year, resulting in insured losses that average more than $1.6 billion, according to the IBHS. Make sure to take extra precautions during these high-risk months When a storm is approaching, stay inside and bring easily damaged property indoors. If you’re caught outside when a hailstorm begins, avoid seeking shelter under trees, which can attract lightning and cause injury if branches fall.

3. Have fire safety in mind

Though most storm damage happens to a home’s exterior, damage may also take place inside the house. Power surges produced by lightning can impair the electronic equipment around your home and, in more severe cases, start a fire. If your community is prone to lightning, you may want to ask if your electric company offers whole-home surge protection. In addition, avoid contact with electrical appliances, corded phones and plumbing fixtures, as they can conduct electricity during a storm.

4. Exercise emergency response on the road

If a hailstorm strikes while you’re behind the wheel , stop driving as soon as possible and park under a covered garage or overpass if you can. Stay as far away from the windows as you can and, if possible, lay facedown on the floor or on your seat. Large hail can cause serious physical injuries, so be sure to remain inside your vehicle until the storm has passed.

For more information on emergency preparedness and disaster response, visit www.fema.gov.