Brevard County Hurricane Resources

Hurricane Hacks, Tips & Resources for Homeowners and Buyers along the Space Coast of Florida

As a leading real estate brokerage in Brevard County, RE/MAX Elite understands the critical importance of preparing for hurricane season. With Brevard County's proximity to Florida’s east coast, being prepared for hurricanes is essential for homeowners, buyers, and sellers.

Here are some valuable tips, hacks, and resources to help you stay ready and protected during hurricane season.

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Helpful Brevard County Resources

Stay connected with local resources for updates and emergency assistance:

Brevard County Emergency Management: (321) 637-6670 | Facebook | Twitter | https://linktr.ee/brevardeoc

Get Emergency Alerts from AlertBrevard: Sign Up Today

Florida Division of Emergency Management: FloridaDisaster.org

Brevard Transportation & Special Needs Regisistry: Apply Now

Hurricane Tips to Prepare

1. Essential Hurricane Preparedness Kit

Ensure that you and your family have the necessary supplies in case of an emergency:

(Check out our Hurricane Hack Video Below)

  • Non-perishable food for at least 3 days
  • Water (1 gallon per person per day)
  • Flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • First aid kit and essential medications
  • Important documents (in waterproof containers)
  • Blankets, toiletries, and hygiene items
  • Portable phone chargers

2. Stock Up on Entertainment for Power Outages

If the power goes out, it can be challenging to keep children entertained, especially when they’re used to electronics. Prepare a “no-power” activity box with the following:

  • Glow Sticks & Flashlights: Glow sticks and flashlights are not only practical but also fun! Kids love playing with these in the dark. You can even create a glow-stick scavenger hunt or tell stories using flashlight shadows.
  • Non-Battery Games & Puzzles: Stock up on board games, playing cards, and puzzles. These can keep your kids entertained for hours without needing power.
  • Books & Coloring Supplies: Gather books, coloring books, and crayons or colored pencils to keep their minds occupied with creative activities.
  • Craft Supplies: Simple craft kits, like paper, scissors, and stickers, can provide hours of fun, especially when the storm is in full swing.

3. Protect Your Home

Taking steps to fortify your home can make a significant difference in minimizing damage during a storm:

  • Hurricane Shutters or Impact Windows: Install storm shutters or upgrade to impact-resistant windows to protect your home from flying debris.
  • Roof Reinforcement: Make sure your roof is hurricane-ready by securing loose shingles or installing hurricane straps.
  • Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or securely tie down outdoor furniture, grills, and anything that could become airborne in high winds.
  • Garage Door Reinforcement: Strengthen your garage door, as it’s one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a hurricane.
  • Don't tape your windows. It won't prevent the windows from breaking and it will leave adhesive on the glass that's super obnoxious to scrape off with a razor blade.
  • Additional water: Fill tupperware or freezer bags with water and put in the freezer.  Once you lose power, you can transfer some of these to your refreigerator to help keep food. (Otherwise, try not to open your firdge).

4. Evacuation Routes & Shelters in Brevard County

Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and shelters in Brevard County to ensure you know where to go if evacuation becomes necessary:

  • Brevard County Emergency Management: Stay informed by visiting Brevard County Emergency Management for the latest updates on evacuation orders, shelter locations, and hurricane tracking.
  • Local Shelters: If your home isn’t safe during a storm, Brevard County offers general and pet-friendly shelters. You can find the latest shelter locations on the Brevard County website or through local news outlets.

5. Tech Tips for Storm Tracking and Communication

Leverage technology to stay informed and connected before, during, and after a storm:

  • Hurricane Apps: Download weather apps like MyRadar or The Weather Channel to track storms in real-time.
  • Emergency Alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts from Brevard County to receive up-to-date evacuation notices and storm information directly to your phone.
  • Backup Chargers: Keep portable chargers on hand to ensure your phone and other devices stay powered if the electricity goes out.

6. Real Estate Agents: Preparation Is Key

Agents should also take steps to prepare during hurricane season, especially when managing properties and client transactions:

  • Remove Signs and Lockboxes: Remove all for-sale signs, sign riders, and lockboxes from properties before the storm to prevent damage or loss.
  • Insurance Binding: Remind clients to get insurance bound before a storm is named. Insurance companies often stop issuing or binding new policies once a tropical storm or hurricane is named.
  • Review Force Majeure Clause: Explain the "force majeure" clause in contracts, which may extend closing timelines due to hurricanes or other unforeseen natural events.

7. Post-Storm Recovery

After a hurricane, it’s important to follow certain steps to recover safely and efficiently:

  • Assess and Document Damage: After the storm, inspect your property and take pictures of any damage to help with insurance claims.
  • Licensed Contractors Only: Avoid scams by working with licensed contractors for repairs. Brevard County provides a list of licensed professionals who can help with repairs post-storm.
  • Remove Debris Safely: Hire professionals to remove large trees or debris safely, especially if it could pose a further risk to your property.
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