clouds and lightning approach on a horizon

Bloomington, IL,
30
September
2016
|
08:00 AM
America/Chicago

Practice preparedness – daily.

As National Preparedness Month comes to a close, we are reminded that preparing for weather emergencies should be practiced daily throughout the year. Protecting your home and family from weather perils can change quickly with each new day and season bringing a unique weather forecast.

Storm preparation and knowing how to react to each type of storm is critical. Safeguarding ourselves in a hailstorm is quite different than reacting to a tornado. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency  (FEMA) offer safety tips for how to safely survive these unique storms.

 

During a Hailstorm

In an Automobile

  • Stop driving.
  • Find safety in a garage, under a highway overpass or under a service station awning
  • Do NOT leave the vehicle until it stops hailing.
  • Hail can break glass, so stay clear of car windows and cover your eyes or lie face down with your back to the windows. Small children should be shielded and eyes covered.

Indoors

  • Stay inside until the hail stops.
  • Stay away from windows.
  • Account for all family members, building occupants, pets, etc.
  • Do not go outside. Avoid the danger of electrocution from lightning, avoid using phones and electrical appliances during a severe storm.

Outside

  • Seek shelter immediately. If you can’t find something to protect your entire body, find something to protect your head.
  • Stay out of lowland areas that may suddenly fill with water.

 

During a Tornado

Indoors

  • Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level, closet, or interior hallway.
  • Stay away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
  • Make sure to put on shoes.
  • Do not open windows.

Outside

  • Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park.
  • Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
  • Lie in an area noticeably lower than the level of the roadway and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
  • Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
  • Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Leave vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
  • Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

In a Manufactured Home or Office

  • Get out immediately, go to a pre-determined building or storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

 

 

About State Farm®:

For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,400 agents and 67,000 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire, lifehealth, commercial policies and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for rentersbusiness ownersboats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 44 on the 2023 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

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