Survival guide

What to do in a hail storm

Reviewed 2 November 2026 · By SOS.city, made by the people for the people · Sources listed below

In an emergency, call 911

When a severe thunderstorm warning says large hail may be coming, get inside a sturdy building right away and stay away from windows: a small interior room on the lowest floor is best. Sheds and storage buildings are not safe, and a tree is no shelter. In a car you are safer than outside, but if there is time, drive to the closest secure shelter.

What to do right now

Go into a sturdy building now. Sheds and storage buildings are not safe.
Stay away from windows. A small interior room on the lowest floor is best.
Don't shelter under a tree. It can fall on you, and it raises your lightning risk.
At work or school, keep out of big open rooms like cafeterias, gyms and auditoriums.
In a car, you are safer than outside. If there is time, drive to the closest secure shelter.
Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local news for the warning to end.

Remember: Large hail coming? Get inside a sturdy building and away from the windows.

Also: Don't drive into a severe thunderstorm. Pull over somewhere safe or delay the trip.

Get ready before it happens

Know your secure spot at home, work and school: an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
When severe storms are forecast, move cars into a garage or under a carport if time and safety allow.
Bring pets inside.

Questions people ask

What should you do during a hail storm?

Get inside a sturdy building right away and stay away from windows. A small interior room on the lowest floor is best. Sheds and storage buildings are not safe, and a tree is no shelter.

Is it safe to stay in your car during hail?

A vehicle is safer than being outside. If there is enough time, the National Weather Service says to drive to the closest secure shelter. Better still, avoid driving into severe thunderstorms: pull over or delay the trip.

How do you protect your car from hail?

When severe storms are forecast, move it into a garage or under a carport if time and safety allow.

Where should you go at work or school?

Away from windows, and out of large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums and auditoriums.

Sources

Every step on this page comes from these sources. We check them when we review the page.

General safety information, not medical advice. Always follow instructions from local officials and 911 dispatchers.