Knowing the Difference Between a Tornado and a Hailstorm

Not all severe weather is alike, which is why your reactions to different storms also shouldn’t be alike. Both hailstorms and tornadoes are damaging in their own way. In order to reduce your risks during each kind of storm, you should react to whether hail or a tornado is present. Use the following information from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to find out how you should react during a hailstorm and tornado. For additional guidance, please use IBHS hail and tornado resources available at DisasterSafety.org.

During a Tornado

Outside (No Shelter):

  • Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
  • Immediately try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. However, never try to outrun a tornado. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
  • If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park. Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
  • If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands.
  • Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
  • Approach intersections with caution. Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs both during and after a storm.

Inside:

  • Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
  • In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
  • Do not open windows.

During a Hailstorm

  • Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
  • Do not drive unless necessary.
  • Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
  • If at all possible, pull into a sturdy garage, parking garage, or under a shelter to minimize hail damage.
  • Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
  • Avoid downed power lines.
  • Approach intersections with caution. Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs both during and after a storm.
  • After the storm, thoroughly evaluate your vehicle for damage.
  • If you find glass damage, carefully remove any glass from the interior of your vehicle, and cover the damaged area to prevent further water damage to your interior.

Article Provided by Disaster Safety.  Find more information here.