As hurricane season looms upon us in Florida, it's crucial to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of your home and your family. Lasting from June to November, this season demands preparedness, especially for residents in Brevard County, where potential weather hazards can pose significant risks. Now is the ideal time to implement strategies that will fortify your home and establish a comprehensive plan to weather any storm that may come your way. Keep reading to find out how you can prepare your Brevard County home for the 2023 hurricane season.

Secure Your Home

Take preventative measures to fortify your home and minimize potential damage. Start by inspecting your roof for loose shingles or tiles and repair any damage promptly. Reinforce windows and doors with storm shutters or impact-resistant glass to protect against high winds and flying debris. Trim trees and remove dead branches that could pose a threat during a storm. You should also secure outdoor furniture, grills, and other loose items that could become dangerous projectiles in strong winds.

In addition to securing your home, it's crucial to prepare for potential power outages. Invest in a generator to keep essential appliances running during extended periods without electricity. Test your generator before hurricane season begins and make sure you have an adequate fuel supply. Remember to operate generators outdoors in a well-ventilated area to prevent the risks associated with carbon monoxide poisoning.

Assemble an Emergency Kit

A properly stocked emergency kit is essential in the event of a hurricane or other natural disasters. Include items such as non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, a first aid kit, essential medications, and a battery-operated radio. Additionally, pack important documents such as identification papers, insurance policies, and copies of your home's blueprints or floor plans. Store the kit in an easily accessible place and regularly check and update its contents. For extra peace of mind, purchase a water and fire safety storage box to keep your documents safe. 

In addition, you should protect your valuable documents and cherished memories by backing up important data. Utilize cloud storage or external hard drives to store digital copies of crucial files, photographs, and videos. Keep these backups in a secure location away from your home to ensure their preservation in the event of damage or loss.

Review Insurance Coverage

Ensure your home and belongings are adequately covered by reviewing your insurance policies. Check if your policy includes coverage for wind and flood damage, as these are common issues during hurricanes. Consider contacting your insurance agent to discuss any necessary adjustments or additions to your coverage. Remember, it's better to be over-prepared and have comprehensive coverage than to face unexpected expenses. If you need to update your home insurance coverage or have questions, ask your trusted Brevard County real estate agent for a list of experienced home insurance agents.

Stay Informed

Stay informed about weather updates and emergency alerts by tuning into local news channels, radio stations, or official weather websites. Familiarize yourself with the hurricane terminology used by meteorologists, such as tropical storm watches and warnings, and understand their implications. Sign up for local emergency notification systems to receive real-time alerts directly to your phone or email.

Evacuation Preparedness

In certain situations, evacuation may be necessary—especially if you live along the Brevard County Coast. Stay informed about evacuation orders and familiarize yourself with designated shelters or evacuation routes in your area. Prepare a "go bag" containing essential items like clothing, personal hygiene products, and necessary medications. Keep your vehicle's fuel tank filled and plan ahead for pet transportation, if applicable. Follow instructions from local authorities and evacuate promptly when advised to do so. In you do need to evacuate your home, be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect it as best as you can while you're not there, for instance, by securing doors and windows, unplugging electrical appliances, and turning off the main water supply. If time permits, make sure to gather important documents such as identification, insurance policies, and important contact information. Store these documents in a waterproof and portable box that you can take with you. It's also a smart idea to take photos or videos of your home and valuables for insurance purposes.

Preparing for Hurricane Season in Brevard County

Hurricane season demands preparedness, but don't worry — there is still time to ensure your home and family are ready! By securing your home, developing an emergency plan, and reviewing insurance coverage, you can significantly minimize risks and increase your resilience in the face of a hurricane. From all of your local Brevard County real estate experts at Realty World Curri Properties, stay safe this hurricane season!