DOWNS’ RESIDENTS URGED TO CONSIDER HAIL SAFETY
Here are some tips and tricks to help prevent damage from hail storms
JUST one mention of the word hail is enough strike fear in the heart of vehicle and property owners everywhere.
Toowoomba and the Darling Downs have already had their fair share of the bad weather this spring, with hail destroying crops and causing widespread damage. Residents captured footage as “golf-ball sized” rocks of ice rained down - one mother in Kingaroy was trapped in her car by a severe storm, pelted with hail as she tried to shelter her baby.
Hail forms when thunderstorms are strong enough to carry water droplets above the freezing altitude. This freezing process forms a hailstone, which is dropped when it becomes too heavy for the cloud. There are many ways Darling Downs residents can prepare when they receive a hailstorm warning including securing loose outdoor items, covering cars with sheets and blankets and keeping all pets indoors.
New data from RACQ has revealed many people do not know what to do to protect themselves and their property when faced with an intense storm.
RACQ spokesperson Kirsty Clinton said, of those surveyed, only one quarter said they would take action to protect their property if hail was predicted, with most others admitting they would not know what to do.
“Unfortunately only 26 per cent of people said they’d move their car and outdoor items undercover if a hail storm’s coming. That’s pretty shocking considering this is exactly what everyone should be doing in the lead up to a severe storm,” Ms Clinton said.
“If you can, move your car into a garage or undercover, but never park under a tree. Bring breakable outdoor items like glass tables undercover as well as any loose items which could be blown around in the storm.
“But remember your safety is most important, it’s just not worth getting injured.”
Ms Clinton said RACQ was also concerned by the number of people who did not know what to do if a hail storm hit when they were behind the wheel.
“Some people admitted they’d continue driving as normal until they got to their destination,” she said.
“If you do find yourself driving in a hail storm, slow down, turn your lights on and pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so. If you’re stopped on the road side, turn your hazard lights on so people can see you. “Don’t exit the vehicle if you’re stopped on a busy road or in heavy hail as you risk injuring yourself – and if you’re worried about windows breaking, shelter behind the driver’s seat.”
In the year to October 2018, RACQ received more than 1500 hail damage claims worth more than $8.5 million dollars.
RACQ have also warned against buying a hail damaged car, a spokesperson stating “most insurers will not insure vehicles with existing hail damage”.
“Check with the dealer if hail damage will affect the car’s new warranty cover as well, particularly if there are future problems related to water entry into electronics.”