What type of severe weather is most likely to affect the area where you live?  There is an on line tool that can help answer that question during the first-ever National Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

If you go to DisasterSafety.org and enter your zip code, you’ll get a list of the types of severe weather and natural disasters that are more likely where you live.  It’s sponsored by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. The site also links you to some specific tips on protecting your home and family, depending on what type of disaster you might face.

Julie Rochman. President and CEO of the Institute, says there are simple steps you can take to protect your home and family.   She says many of these steps are low or no-cost.

She says people should be comfortable in evacuating their home if needed.  Every community should have safe spaces designated, such as a school or business.

If you have to shelter from a tornado or hurricane in your home, Rochman says you need to be in an interior space that does not have windows, preferably in a low area of the house.