WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) -- Before a severe thunderstorm hits, it's best to review your severe weather safety tips. We often hear about how to prepare and stay safe during tornadoes. Click here to review tornado safety tips. But what do you do if the storm starts dropping large hail? Check the foreca st often Most importantly, be weather-ready so you are not caught off guard. Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for severe weather. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. Sign up for notifications. The KSN Storm Track 3 Weather App will send warnings and alerts. (DOWNLOAD FOR FREE) Get inside If you are outdoors when hail starts, seek shelter immediately. If you are not near shelter, try to find something to protect your head and as much of your body as possible. Note: Seeking shelter in trees can be dangerous because of potential lightning strikes. If you are inside your home, close curtains, blinds, or other window treatments if you can do so safely. This could help prevent broken window glass and hailstones from getting into your home. Get away from windows and skylights. While driving Driving through a hailstorm can be dangerous because the road can become slick, and visibility can drop. If possible, pull into a covered garage. Pull over to the shoulder and stop the vehicle. Stay in the vehicle until the hail stops. Turn your face and the front of your body away from windows in case the glass shatters. Add additional protection by covering up in a blanket, coat, or spare clothing. Reducing damage When you know the forecast, it gives you time to take action that can reduce damage. Change your travel plans to avoid being out in the storm. Store items that can be damaged by hail. If you do not have a garage, consider tying padding to your vehicle: Heavy blankets, Moving blankets, Cardboard boxes, Bags of potting soil, etc. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. ...read more read less