When storms strike - are you protected?

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The tornados that devastated parts of Kansas and Oklahoma could happen anywhere. And while there is generally little to no warning at all when these storms strike, there are some things you can do to protect your family and your home from disaster.

Homeowners living in a region plagued by tornados may want to consider creating a safe room, which has been reinforced to withstand wind speeds of over 250 miles per hour, according to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes. Typically, a safe room should be located in a central, interior, ground-floor area of the home for additional protection as well as accessibility.

Homeowners can use a closet or a bathroom as a safe room or even the basement of a home. Safe rooms can also be built in a garage or away from the house. To find out more about safe room plans, check out the Federal Emergency Management Agency at fema.gov.

Eighty percent of residential tornado damage starts with wind entering through the garage, so make sure your garage doors are reinforced.

A qualified inspector can determine if both the door and connecting parts can resist high-speed winds and, if necessary, replace them with a stronger system. Garage doors more than eight feet wide are most vulnerable. If you have these types of doors, you may want to consider installing permanent wood or metal stiffeners.

Sliding glass doors are more vulnerable to wind damage than most other doors. If you are replacing your patio doors or building a new home, consider installing impact-resistant door systems made of laminated glass, plastic glazing or a combination of plastic and glass.

And if you're thinking of replacing your windows, install impact-resistant windows. If you can't find them in your area, you can usually order them from manufacturers or home improvement stores in coastal areas that routinely face heavy storms.

Keeping your yard free of debris will also help to minimize storm damage. Make sure you keep your shrubbery trimmed. Cut weak branches and trees that could fall on your house. If you have gravel or rock landscaping material, replace it with shredded bark.