With the start of hurricane season just a few weeksaway, we're hearing more about changing global weather patterns,and the volatility, frequency and severity ofstorms. Meteorologists are calling for a slightly below-average hurricane season, but itonly takes one storm to create havoc for insurers andpolicyholders.

While we cannot control the weather, we can manage our level ofpreparation for what is to come.

Related: Power outage: How homeowners can tackle power lossthis hurricane season

Assembling supplies, cleaning gutters of debris, making surewater drains away from building foundations and securing supplieslike generators and flashlights can help mitigate some of theeffects of a severe storm.

Confirming what type of insurance coverage you have and thelimits provide a realistic picture of what will and won't becovered after a severe weather event. Take photos of each room inyour house or office to provide an accurate record of furnishingsand other valuable contents. Store them on the cloud or off of thepremises.

Read on for more tips on how to prepare for otherweather-related events.

Emergency supplies ensures you and your loved ones are readyfor any disaster. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Have emergency supplies ready.

Putting together a “storm kit” is a great place to start. Itdoesn't have to be complicated, but make sure to include practical supplies thatwill allow your family to survive until other resources andutilities are available.

Some items to keep on hand for emergencies include:

• Water – 3-day supply per person

• Non-perishable food – 3-day supply per person(don't forget a manual can opener!)

• Medications – 7-day supply

• Flashlights & extra batteries, battery-operatedcandles

• First aid kit

• Blankets & warm clothes – e.g., hats,gloves, jackets, boots

• Emergency contacts list – include family andinsurance information (hard copies can be helpful in case yourphone doesn't work)

• Extra cash

• Cell phones and chargers

• Additional fuel for heaters and generators

• Baby supplies – e.g., bottles, formula,diapers, baby food

• Pet supplies – 3-day supply

Related: Top 10 costliest U.S. tornadocatastrophes

Having safe locations as a part of severe weatherpreparation is crucial if a certain location becomes too hazardous.(Photo: Shutterstock)

Other storm preparations to consider.

After building your “storm kit” and placing it in a safelocation, there are a number of other things to consider.While some steps are storm specific (i.e., installing hurricaneshutters), many are helpful regardless of the forecast.

For example, ensure that outdoor furniture is secured or broughtinside is important. Also secure any other items that could becomeairborne in high winds such as planters, trash cans, lawnornaments, flags and outdoor decorations.

Make sure to fill up your gas tank and any spare gas cans incase you need fuel to run generators or heaters.

Related: Using catastrophe modeling to predict riskscenarios

Rusty pipes are an extreme risk when the weather reachesfreezing temperatures. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Don't forget these cold weather risks.

Winter events often include below freezing temperatures, whichcan result in the potential for frozen/burst pipes. Check any homewater lines that run against exterior walls or through unheatedareas. Make sure all exterior spigots are drained, turned off andcovered.

In some cases, it may be necessary to hire a licensed plumber tore-route lines; in most instances, proper insulation will go a longway in minimizing, if not eliminating, the potential for a waterdamage loss from a burst pipe.

Related: Does your homeowners' policy cover these threethings?

Smoke detectors will alert you of any smoke or fire duringweather events or power outages. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Keep a lid on the heat.

Unfortunately, fires are a common occurrence during weatherevents and accompanying power outages. Fire prevention and safety are critical whenusing candles or other sources for heating, cooking or lighting.

All vents around temporary heaters should be monitored andremain clear of obstructions during and after a storm to eliminatethe potential for carbon monoxide issues.

Related: Top spring hazards homeowners face in each of 8U.S. regions

When a storm is imminent, the most important thing to do is toremain calm and prepare. Unless you shelter elsewhere or havebeen instructed by officials to evacuate, you are now ready tohandle whatever Mother Nature throws at you.

But what happens after the storm is over?

The damage can be big or small, but it's important to trackfor insurance purposes. (Photo: Shutterstock)

After a storm, take time to inspect the damage.

Safety is always the number one priority, and inspecting yourhome and property after a storm should be done as carefully aspossible. For example, if you believe there is damage to yourroof, complete the inspection using a structurally sound ladder andhave someone hold it in place.

If there is damage to your home, it will be important to take steps to mitigate furtherloss. This may include removing downed trees, placing tarps orcoverings over exposed areas, or removing water that has leakedinto your home.

If at any time during this process you are uncomfortable,consider retaining a certified, licensed professional to assist youwith your inspection and mitigation efforts.

Related: How well do you know condo insuranceexclusions?

Any damage to your property must be recorded. Be sure totake multiple photographs and back them up on an external harddriveor in the cloud. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Document all the damage.

If there is damage to your property, document the extent of the impact and cost torepair the damage. Take photographs of the areas and itemsaffected, begin to assemble repair estimates, and make sure to savereceipts for any costs incurred from the storm or for therepairs.

Contact your insurance agent or insurance carrier as quickly aspossible to get answers to any coverage questions and to formallyinitiate the claim process.

And, if you used something from your storm kit, replace thoseitems so you are prepared for the next event because weknow it is not a matter of “if” another weather event will occur,but “when.”

Related: 10 extreme weather events of 2016

Joseph L. Salerno, II, is the vice president ofclaims for the Arbella InsuranceGroup and has led the claims organization for three years. Hehas 30 years of multi-line claim experience and holdsthe Senior Claim Law Associate (SCLA) insurancedesignation. He can be reached at [email protected].