Your Brevard County Hurricane Prep List: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Living in Brevard County, Florida, comes with so many perks—sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle. But with all that beauty comes one seasonal reality: hurricane season.

Whether you're new to the Space Coast or a longtime local, being prepared for a storm is crucial. From Cocoa Beach to Palm Bay and Viera to Merritt Island, hurricane readiness can make a world of difference for your family and your property. Here's your practical, human-first hurricane prep checklist to help you stay safe and confident when storms start brewing.

✅ 1. Start with the Basics: Your Emergency Kit

Build a hurricane kit that can support your household for at least 72 hours. Be sure to include:

• Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable food and snacks
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Portable phone chargers
• First-aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Personal hygiene products
• Important documents (IDs, insurance, medical records) in a waterproof container
• Pet supplies if applicable

🧠 Tip: Don’t forget comfort items—books, games, or a favorite snack can reduce stress during long hours without power.

🏠 2. Secure Your Home

Protecting your property is just as important as protecting yourself. Brevard homes often feature storm-ready upgrades, but even if yours doesn’t, here’s what to focus on:

• Check your roof for loose shingles or tiles.
• Install or test hurricane shutters or pre-cut plywood.
• Bring in outdoor furniture, grills, and yard décor.
• Clean gutters and trim tree branches that could become hazards.
• Take photos of your property for insurance documentation.

🏡 Thinking of buying or selling? Homes with impact windows, newer roofs, and reinforced garage doors are in high demand.

📲 3. Stay Connected and Informed

Sign up for Brevard County Emergency Management alerts and download trusted apps like FEMA or local news stations for real-time updates.

Have a plan for where you'll go if an evacuation is ordered, and know your zone using the Brevard County Evacuation Map.

🗂️ 4. Review Insurance and Documents

Hurricane season is the perfect reminder to check your homeowners or flood insurance policies. Are you covered for wind damage? What’s your deductible?

📁 Store digital copies of your insurance and mortgage paperwork in the cloud or on a flash drive.

💬 Final Thoughts: Preparation = Peace of Mind

Hurricanes are unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. Taking time now to prep your home and your family can save stress—and lives—later.

Whether you're a new homeowner in Melbourne, preparing to sell in Palm Bay, or just bought your dream beach cottage in Cocoa Beach, hurricane readiness is part of the Florida lifestyle. And remember, I’m here not just to help you buy or sell—I’m your neighbor, too.

📲 Need local recommendations for contractors or storm protection companies? Reach out—I’m happy to help.
Stay safe, Brevard!