Flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires often steal the spotlight but beware of underestimating the fury of a hailstorm. As the slideshow above of costly U.S. hailstorms illustrates, hail causes about $1 billion in damage to crops and property each year, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). And although hailstorms are rarely associated with fatalities, they are responsible for serious injuries and severe property and automobile damage — a fact that's especially pronounced in such hail-prone states as Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma. Hailstorms also have become so severe in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming that some meteorologists now refer to that region as "Hail Alley." Safeco Insurance prepared a flyer to educate individuals and businesses about how they can prepare for hail and diminish its damage once a storm arrives. What follows is a summary of that advice.

Before a hailstorm

• Check your policy to see what's covered and the deductible you've chosen.
• Your insurance policy typically covers the cost to repair roofs and cars and other common hail damage.
• You may have a higher deductible for wind and hail damage than you do for other types of claims.
• Talk to your local independent agent to find out more.
• Repair or replace worn, curled or missing shingles.
• If your roof is aging, consider replacing it before hail season begins.

During a hailstorm

• Stay indoors.
• Stay away from skylights and glass doors to avoid broken glass.
• If it is safe, close drapes, blinds or shades to prevent debris from blowing inside.
• If possible, park vehicles in a garage or other covered area.

"Hail comes without much warning," advises Matt Rosendale, Montana's commissioner of securities and insurance, "and can cause significant damage to property." See also:

• Top 10 states for home claims due to hail
• Loss estimates for June hail and windstorms reach into multi-billions