Michael L. Tipsord Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer | State Farm, IL
Students from Thomas Metcalf School recently put their science skills to the test at the State Farm® Technology Research and Innovation Laboratory in Bloomington, IL. They faced the challenge of determining whether their student-built roofs could withstand the State Farm Hail Simulator, a machine designed to replicate the impact of hail. Doug Dewey, Senior Research Analyst at State Farm, expressed his gratitude for working with the students and commended their passion for physics and science.
Laurel Straub, Assistant Vice President of Enterprise Research at State Farm, highlighted the company's commitment to leveraging internal expertise to educate the community. She emphasized the importance of being prepared for severe weather, especially in the spring when hailstorms are more common.
State Farm provided valuable tips for homeowners to prepare for hailstorms, including reviewing insurance coverage, updating home inventories, and staying informed about weather forecasts. They also recommended considering impact-resistant roofing to minimize hail damage to homes and offered insurance premium discounts for eligible homeowners with such roofing products.
In addition to home preparedness, State Farm advised on protecting vehicles during hailstorms by parking under cover, using thick blankets or towels as cushioning, and avoiding parking under trees. If caught driving during a hailstorm, they suggested seeking shelter in a parking garage or gas station canopy to prevent vehicle damage.
After a hailstorm, State Farm encouraged policyholders to visually inspect their properties for damage, make temporary repairs to prevent further issues, and keep receipts for potential reimbursement. Customers with damage were advised to contact their agent, call 1-800-SFCLAIM, or use State Farm's online platforms to start the claims process.
State Farm's proactive approach to educating homeowners on hail preparedness serves as a valuable resource for individuals looking to safeguard their properties and assets during severe weather events.