After having lived through a couple of natural disasters, I think the most important preparation you can make is to get to know your neighbors. Exchange phone numbers, give them a key. Help them out, ask for favors. (Asking for small favors is a good trick to establish trust: ask for the proverbial cup of sugar to make them feel comfortable asking you for favors. And then when they ask, be reliable).

The other is to make sure you have a good insurance company. Go to a neighborhood that has experienced a tornado or similar. Ask around -- people will know which insurance companies were helpful and which were penny pinching obstructionists.