Be Ready. Hurricane Preparation in Brevard County, Florida

Living in Brevard County, Florida, means enjoying the sunshine, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle. However, it also means being prepared for hurricane season. With the Atlantic Ocean at our doorstep, hurricanes are a real threat, and being prepared can make all the difference. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of hurricane preparation in Brevard County and what steps you can take to keep yourself, your family, and your property safe.

Understanding the Threat

Brevard County is no stranger to hurricanes. With its location on Florida’s east coast, the county is particularly vulnerable to these powerful storms. Hurricanes can bring strong winds, heavy rain, storm surges, and flooding, causing widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. In recent years, Brevard County has experienced the devastating effects of hurricanes such as Matthew and Irma, underscoring the importance of being prepared.

Planning and Preparedness

The key to weathering a hurricane is preparation. By taking proactive measures before a storm hits, you can minimize the impact and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Here are some essential steps to take:

1. Create a Hurricane Preparedness Kit: Put together a kit that includes essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and important documents. Make sure to have enough supplies to last at least a week.
2. Develop a Family Emergency Plan: Make a plan that outlines what you will do before, during, and after a hurricane. Identify evacuation routes, designate a meeting place, and establish a communication plan so you can stay in touch with family members.
3. Secure Your Home: Protect your home by installing hurricane shutters or boarding up windows and doors. Bring outdoor furniture, decorations, and other items inside, or secure them to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds.
4. Stay Informed: Keep a close eye on weather forecasts and advisories from local authorities. Sign up for emergency alerts and follow instructions from local officials regarding evacuation orders and other safety measures.

Evacuation Planning

In some cases, evacuating your home may be necessary to ensure your safety. Brevard County has designated evacuation zones, and residents should be familiar with their zone and evacuation routes. If you are instructed to evacuate, do so immediately and follow the directions of local authorities. Here are some additional tips for evacuating safely:

• Plan your evacuation route in advance and have a backup route in case your primary route is blocked.
• Take only essential items with you, including your emergency kit, important documents, and medications.
• Make arrangements for pets, as not all evacuation shelters accept animals. Consider boarding your pets at a kennel or making arrangements with friends or family outside the evacuation zone.

Post-Storm Recovery

After the storm has passed, it’s important to stay safe and begin the recovery process. Here are some steps to take once the storm has cleared:

1. Assess Damage: Check your home for damage and take photos or videos for insurance purposes. Be cautious of downed power lines, flooding, and other hazards.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company: Report any damage to your home or property to your insurance company as soon as possible. Be sure to document the damage and keep records of all communications.
3. Be Patient: Recovery after a hurricane takes time, and it’s important to be patient. Follow the instructions of local authorities and be prepared for power outages, limited access to services, and other disruptions.
4. Seek Support: Hurricanes can be traumatic events, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support if you need it.

Hurricanes are a fact of life in Brevard County, and being prepared can mean the difference between safety and disaster. By planning ahead, staying informed, and knowing what to do before, during, and after a storm, you can protect yourself, your family, and your property. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start preparing today. Stay safe, Brevard County!