Severe Hail Increased 21 Percent Last Year – Here’s How to Protect Your Restaurant

The country's infamously dangerous and costly hail season began in April, running throughout the summer and into September.

Although 2024 had fewer hailstorms, severe hail increased by 21 percent compared to 2022, and nearly every corner of the country is affected. Half of the 10 states with the highest three-year increase in major hailstorms are in the Midwest, two are in the South, two are in the West, and one is in the Northeast. Missouri saw the most significant increase in major hail events in the country, a 182-percent rise between 2022 and 2024.)

While you can’t predict the unexpected, restaurant owners can better prepare themselves with preventive measures against these dangerous storms. We have compiled best practices for bars, restaurants and other hospitality establishments to help protect their businesses against hail storms and other natural seasonal disasters to avoid costly storm damage insurance claims.

Inspect Your Roof Every Year or Two to Prevent Indoor Storm Damage

Not only does a regular roof inspection extend the life of your roof, saving you money long-term, it allows you to troubleshoot and remedy any issues such as split shingles, loose or broken roofing material, rusty metal and sagging. It is much easier to fix a small roof problem than a collapsed roof or burgeoning leak that can cause even more damage inside.

Address Drainage Problems Prior to Storm Season

Check your gutters and building drainage before the storm season begins. If your gutters are due for a cleaning, contact a local gutter company to complete the job. Additionally, if your roof has been damaged, so have your gutters most likely. Neglected gutters spell disaster as they accumulate debris and standing water. Standing water can easily overflow into your foundation, potentially flooding the basement and shutting down your establishment.

Secure Outdoor Items to Prevent Wind Damage

Grills, picnic tables and outdoor furniture can become projectiles in high wind scenarios. “Batten down the hatches” as they say – you don’t want your patio umbrella to go spiraling through the air in the midst of a summer storm. Consider securing patio furniture with steel security cables if you cannot safely store furniture. 

Trim Trees to Prevent Storm Damage

While dead trees and dead branches are a liability all of the time, dead branches are more likely to fall during heavy storms and gusting winds. This can be hazardous to you, your employees, patrons and the building. From tree limbs falling on the roof to dead branches getting tangled in power lines, a well-maintained property will, again, help you avoid costly storm damage insurance claims.

With the worst of this year’s hail season could very well still be ahead of us, there’s never a bad time to prepare for a possible hail storm. Business owners can mitigate damage to their building, payroll and bottom line if they invest a little bit of time into preventive measures. 

This information is provided as a convenience, and it must not be assumed that it has detected all unsafe acts or conditions. This information is not professional advice; it is designed to assist you in recognizing potential safe work problems and not to establish compliance with any law, rule or regulation.