But from Texas to Maine as well as Hawaii, summer also brings with it the high winds, torrential rains, flooding, storm surges and devastating winds associated with one of the fiercest types of storms —the tropical cyclone, or hurricane.

If you live in a low-lying area threatened by a severe hurricane, or if you are ordered by government authorities to evacuate, leave the area and head for higher ground. Many of the people who die in hurricanes ignore or are unable to comply with evacuation orders.

But if you're not in immediate danger, there are precautions you can take before, during and after a storm hits to better protect your family and your property.

Here are seven steps you can take to safely ride out the storm.