Hurricane season officially kicked off on June 1st and goes through November 30th. Hurricanes can seem scary but being prepared will help keep your family and property safe. When a storm is approaching and becomes a potential threat to your area, the National Weather Service will issue watches and warnings to keep you up to date on how to prepare. 

A "hurricane watch" indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan and protective measures should be taken, especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc. Many of us live on a barrier island which means we need to start preparing now, if not sooner.

A "hurricane warning" indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm. 

Here are helpful links for you to reference when preparing for a hurricane:

-The National Hurricane Center provides tracking information here:
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

-Develop a Family Disaster Plan & Kit
http://brevard.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/disaster-supplykit/index.html

-Evacuation Routes
https://www.brevardfl.gov/EmergencyManagement/BePrepared/HaveAPlan/Evacuation 

-Emergency Shelters 
https://www.brevardfl.gov/EmergencyManagement/BePrepared/HaveAPlan/Shelters

-Special Needs Shelters 

http://brevard.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/special-needsshelters/index.html

-First Aid Kit 

http://brevard.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/disaster-supplykit/index.html#firstaidkit

-Pet Plan 

http://brevard.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/pet-plan/index.html

If a mandatory evacuation order is given, you must leave. If you choose to stay behind, it is at your own risk. Emergency personnel WILL NOT respond to an emergency after the mandatory evacuation order goes into effect. 

IF you choose to stay behind, be prepared. 

http://brevard.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/evacuate-or-stay-athome/index.html%EF%BB%BF

I hope these tips were helpful in preparing for future hurricanes. If you have any further questions regarding this topic, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly!

Michele Barwick

REALTOR at Florida Lifestyle Realty     

Cell: (321)749-7930