Experts say a few simple steps could save you from potentially costly damage in a severe storm.

News 12's Walt Kane is in your corner with what you need to know.

When tropical storms hit the tri-state area over the summer, many homeowners say it took less than an hour for water to fill up their basements.

At least 40 people died from flooding in the tri-state area, many in basements that flooded so quickly authorities said there wasn't enough time for them to react.

Longtime building inspector Steve Rodzinak says before a storm hits homeowners should:

Get furniture out of the basement.

If you have a sump pump, make sure it's in working order.

Check that your gutters are clean and consider using extenders to direct water further away.

Be sure you have enough supplies, including batteries and clean water.

Once the storm hits, keep an eye on the floodwaters.

If you get water, and it's coming into your house, open your doors and windows to equalize the pressure of the water so that you don't have a foundation collapse.

In terms of preparing for future storms, there are a few other things you can do:

Consider re-grading your landscaping so water flows away from your home.

Think about installing a sump pump in your basement to get water out.

And think about investing in flood insurance - you don't have to be in a flood zone to buy it and, in fact, if you're not, you can get it for just a couple of hundred dollars a year.