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With peak hurricane season in the Atlantic beginning in mid-August, preparing yourself financially can be just as important as stocking supplies or boarding up windows.

In fact, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting above-normal hurricane activity for the season, taking care of a few simple things now could help you avoid a financial storm later. (And it’s not just a coastal concern: Hurricanes can cause damage hundreds of miles inland too.)

Here are five things to do to batten the financial hatches:

1. Ensure you’re insured. Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies don't cover flood damage, and experts say that many properties that should have flood coverage don’t. Depending on where you live, it could be worthwhile to purchase a separate flood policy, especially since damage from storm surge counts as flooding damage. (An online tool like this one can help you assess your risk.) Flood policies are available through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer, and may take 30 days to take effect.

In some areas of the country, a standard homeowner policy can exclude wind-related damage, too, so make sure you fully understand what’s covered in the event you have a hurricane. Contact your insurance agent or check your policy.

Also, documenting your belongings and valuables, including with photos or videos, can speed up the claims process if the time comes. Inventory your furniture and closet, write down any necessary make and model numbers, and if you have expensive rugs, jewelry, or artwork, consider getting them appraised.

2. Prep a financial survival kit. When natural disasters hit, bank branches and ATMs may be inaccessible. FEMA recommends keeping cash on hand and having an emergency-only credit card to cover essential expenses for at least a week. (Dedicating one card to emergency purchases can also make it easier to track reimbursable or tax-deductible disaster expenses.)

3. Plan to be away. Be prepared if a storm forces you to evacuate your home. Automate any checks you still get in the mail (like paper checks or government benefit checks) and photograph or scan items including:

•  Passports, driver's licenses, and Social Security cards

•  Rental agreements, house deeds, car titles, and vehicle registration papers

•  Insurance cards and prescriptions

Store the copies on password-protected cloud storage services — you may need them for post-hurricane aid and claim reimbursements.

Check out FEMA’s Emergency Financial First Aid Kit for a full list of how to prepare.

4. Stock up now. If you’re getting a physical survival kit ready (think: food, water, meds), try spreading out your purchases to avoid a single budget-busting expense. (You could even go in on a bulk buy with neighbors, then divide the supplies.) Also, if you’ve got a generator, make sure there’s enough fuel in it to last several days and if there isn’t, order it now.

5. Make a cheat-sheet ahead of time. It’s easy to panic during emergencies. To stay grounded, create a to-do list now that you can reference in the heat of the moment. To determine what you would need, imagine a worst-case situation where you can’t use your phone and don’t have power or internet.

•  Compile essential phone numbers, addresses, maps, websites, and apps. Include your insurance agent's direct line and nearby shelters.

•  Take a moment to read up on post-disaster scams. The last thing you need is to be taken advantage of during a stressful time.

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