Install hurricane shutters on windows, and prepare plywood covers for glass doors. Cover windows, turn off utilities, or move possessions to a safer location if you have adequate warning of something like a hurricane or flood. If your home is in a high risk flood area, on a fault line, or threatened by coastal erosion, consider relocating. Have your house inspected by a building inspector or architect to find out what structural improvements could prevent or reduce major damage from disasters. If you haven't yet bought a house, you might take construction type into account.
Frame houses tend to withstand some disasters, while brick homes hold up better in others.
If you're not sure where to start, you could contact your local fire department if you live in wildfire country. Fire departments will often make house calls to evaluate your property and make suggestions on how to improve safety. In earthquake-prone areas, the local utility can be called upon to come to your location and show you how and where to shut off gas lines or how to elevate utilities to get them above a possible flood. Conduct a household inventory Inventory your household possessions by making a list of everything you own. Make it more likely you'll receive a fast, fair payment from your insurance company for your losses.