Property ownership is an investment worth protecting. Yet for many households, natural disasters put this investment at risk year after year.

Severe weather can take many forms and often change depending on the season. Whether you’ve lived in the same region all your life or are relocating to a new part of the country, be sure to familiarize yourself with the conditions that may impact your household. This could include thunderstorms, strong winds, hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, wildfires or winter storms.

While nowhere in the U.S. is fully protected from the consequences of extreme weather events, property owners can take steps now to minimize the damage it may cause.

Seven Steps to Help Protect Your Property and Household:

Stay Informed

Sign up for emergency alerts from the National Weather Service or your local news outlets to stay up to date on when and where severe weather may occur.

Many mobile devices and wireless providers today also feature Wireless Emergency Alerts – brief notifications alerting the public of when a disaster could be on its way – without the need to download a new application or subscribe to a service. Be sure your device is opted in to receive these vital messages.

Make a Plan and Practice It

Develop an emergency plan tailored to your household. Depending on the type of conditions your area is prone to, this plan could include where in your home to shelter in place or the best route for evacuating and accessing a safer location.

Your household may not always be together when severe weather strikes, so be sure to develop a communication plan outlining how everyone in your home will stay connected, including emergency meeting locations and emergency contacts.

After you’ve made your plan, practice it with all the members of your household so everyone knows what to do to stay safe during an emergency.

Click here to access more planning resources.

Create an Emergency Kit and Secure Your Valuables

Consider the specific needs of your household and compile the items you’ll need on hand during an emergency. This may include flashlights and extra batteries, a first aid kit, water and nonperishable foods, portable device chargers, and any medications, devices or equipment critical to the individuals in your home.

Property owners should also secure any valuables, such as family heirlooms or critical documents, in a stored, weatherproof location. On top of that, consider setting aside an emergency fund of three to six months of income and keeping some cash on hand – this can be an invaluable resource should an emergency strike.

Learn more about best practices for building an emergency supplies kit.

Tidy Up Your Outdoor Space

Perform regular yard and external property maintenance to help minimize the damage severe weather could cause you or your neighbors, such as:

• Trimming trees and branches near your property
• Removing any debris, dead tree limbs or vegetation
• Inspecting your roof for any broken shingles or decay
• Clearing your gutters
• Securing any loose siding

Insulate Windows and Doors

Inside your property, be sure to insulate windows and doors with the proper caulking or weather stripping. Doing so will not only prevent drafts or debris from entering your home during a storm, but also help you save on energy costs and demand.

Review Your Coverage Details

Regularly review your home, auto and flood insurance policies to stay up to date on any policy limits that will determine what is covered and what is not, as well as the maximum amount your insurer will pay for a covered loss.

Encourage Your Neighbor to Take Precautions

Share these tips with your neighbors, friends and loved ones to encourage them to stay prepared should an extreme weather event hit their area.

The American Property Owners Alliance cares about the unique challenges current and aspiring property owners face and works to safeguard their interests and investment. That’s why we’re encouraging you to stay up to date on the weather conditions that could impact your property and to take action now to stay protected.