In the event of a sudden, catastrophic event, you may have just minutes to gather your family and get out of your house—possibly for good. What would you take? Where would you go? Planning ahead for the worst can help minimize the impact of a tragedy and may even save lives. This five-step plan can help get you and your family on the road to safety.

Protecting yourself and your family

• Keep calm. Stay in your shelter until after the storm is over.
• Check people around you for injuries. Begin first aid or seek help if necessary.
• When you go outside, watch out for downed power lines.

Protecting your property

• Make temporary repairs to prevent further loss from rain, wind or looting. These costs are reimbursable under most policies so keep the receipts.

Each year, about 1,200 tornadoes with wind speeds as high as 300 mph touch down in the United States. Though potentially not as damaging as hurricanes, tornadoes are more frequent. They can cause severe damage over a small area and, particularly before the advent of tornado warnings, many deaths. In the decade, 1965-1974, they were responsible for an average of 141 deaths each year, compared with 57 in the 10 years 1995-2004. The peak of the tornado season is April through June or July.

Warnings/watches

Remember that a watch means that weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes and a warning means one has been spotted in your area.

It's a sad fact of our world that some use violence as means to their political ends. With the possibility of terrorist acts close to home, it makes sense to understand whether your home, family and business are insured in the event of such an incident.

Hurricanes can be violent and dangerous to your family and your home. Before a major storm threatens your community, take steps to secure your home and protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property.

Hurricanes can shatter lives as well as damage property. Being prepared can help you, your family or your business minimize the impact of the storm. The best time to start is before the threat is imminent. Here's what you need to know.

Protecting yourself and your family

• Do not enter your home if flood waters are over the first floor.
• Flood waters may bring poisonous snakes into your home. When walking through your home wear thick shoes and be alert.
• Do not consume food that has come in contact with flood waters.
• Beware of fire hazards such as broken gas lines, flooded electrical circuits and flammable or explosive materials coming from upstream. 

Protecting your property 

• Inspect your home for damage, especially for cracks in foundations.

Ninety percent of all natural disasters in the United States involve flooding, and flood damage strikes frequently in low or moderate risk areas. Homeowners policies don’t cover flooding so—whatever your area’s risk level—learn about flood insurance protections.

Floods occur in every region and 90 percent of all natural disasters the United States involve some type of flooding. Minimize the damage and losses from a flood by taking these precautions.