TEXAS – With severe weather season about to kick into full swing, it is important to keep in mind what steps to take before, during, and afer the storm hits.

Find out what you can do before severe weather strikes, as preparation is key to staying safe and minimizing impacts. Here are some tips to prepare for severe weather:

Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for severe weather. Spectrum News has the latest updates on air every 10 minutes and the latest information online about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings.

Sign Up for Notifications: Sign up for severe weather text alerts from Spectrum News

Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. Pick a safe room in your home such as a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. The National Weather service has several ideas for a plan. 

Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a damaging wind or large hail is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when severe thunderstorm warnings are issued and don't forget your pets.

Prepare Your Home : Keep trees and branches trimmed near your house. If you have time before severe weather hits, secure loose objects, close windows and doors, and move any valuable objects inside or under a sturdy structure.

The USAA also has several tips on how you can stay safe during a storm with your mobile device.

Create a texting phone tree: Create a network of contacts so you can reach them quickly after any sort of extreme weather.  Texting may be the only available form of communication. 

Utilize mobile banking apps. Many banks have developed mobile banking apps for smartphones that allow people to move money, pay bills and deposit checks from their phones. Having ready access to your funds can save a lot of headaches in the storm’s aftermath.

Take advantage of insurance apps: Some insurance companies allow their customers to file claims using their smartphones to quickly start the recovery process.

Download emergency service apps: Emergency service apps will allow you to access important resources. The American Red Cross has a variety of apps.

Have a car phone charger and spare battery. If power is out for an extended period, your car can be a valuable source of energy.