Hurricane Season Preparedness: What Every Space Coast Homeowner Needs to Know

by Jessica Maruzzella

Hurricane Season Preparedness: What Every Space Coast Homeowner Needs to Know

Space Coast Florida is one of the most incredible places in the world to call home — the beaches, the rocket launches, the tight knit military community and the unmatched Florida lifestyle. But with that comes one undeniable reality: hurricane season. As Space Coast homeowners and members of the military community, being prepared is not just a good idea — it is a way of life.

At The Military Group, we believe that owning a home comes with the responsibility of protecting it. Just like our military men and women prepare for every mission, preparing for hurricane season should be approached with the same level of discipline, strategy and attention to detail.

Here is everything you need to know to make sure you and your family are ready when the next storm rolls in.

Know Your Zone

The very first step in hurricane preparedness is knowing your evacuation zone. In Brevard County, evacuation zones are designated A through F — with Zone A being the highest risk areas closest to the coast and barrier islands.

Here is how to find yours:

Visit Brevard County Emergency Management's website at brevardfl.gov/EmergencyManagement
Enter your address to find your specific evacuation zone
Know your zone BEFORE a storm threatens — not during

If you are active duty military living on or near Patrick Space Force Base, make sure you are familiar with your installation's emergency action plan. Patrick SFB has specific protocols for service members and their families during hurricane events — know them before you need them!

Build Your Hurricane Kit

FEMA recommends having enough supplies to sustain your household for a minimum of 72 hours — but here on the Space Coast, we recommend preparing for at least 7 days. Power outages after major storms can last much longer than most people expect — especially in coastal communities.

Your hurricane kit should include:

🔦 Essentials

Water — one gallon per person per day for at least 7 days
Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
Flashlights and extra batteries
Battery powered or hand crank radio
First aid kit and any prescription medications
Cash in small bills — ATMs may not work after a storm
Copies of important documents in a waterproof container

🏠 For Your Home

Plywood or hurricane shutters for windows
Tarps and heavy duty rope
Generator and extra fuel (stored safely!)
Sandbags if you are in a flood prone area
Chainsaw or handsaw for debris removal

📱 Technology

Portable phone chargers and power banks
Weather alert apps downloaded and notifications turned on
Written list of emergency contacts — do not rely solely on your phone

🐾 Do Not Forget Your Pets

Extra food, water and medications for your animals
Carriers and leashes
Copies of vaccination records

Protect Your Home Before the Storm

Taking proactive steps to prepare your home can make a significant difference in the amount of damage sustained during a hurricane. The Space Coast's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means storms can intensify quickly and make landfall with little warning — preparation is everything!

Outside Your Home

Bring in or secure all outdoor furniture, decorations and equipment
Trim trees and shrubs around your home to reduce flying debris
Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding
Check your roof for loose or damaged shingles
Know how to shut off your utilities — water, gas and electricity
Secure or store any boats, kayaks or watercraft

Inside Your Home

Take photos and video of all your belongings for insurance purposes
Move valuables to higher ground if flooding is a concern — especially important in low lying coastal areas
Fill your bathtub with water for flushing toilets if water service is disrupted
Charge all devices and power banks fully
Have an interior room identified as your safe space away from windows

Review Your Insurance Coverage

This is one of the most critical and most overlooked steps in hurricane preparedness — especially for Space Coast homeowners. Living in a coastal community means flood risk is very real and standard homeowner's insurance policies in Florida do NOT typically cover flood damage. That requires a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.

Before hurricane season hits make sure you:

Review your homeowner's insurance policy carefully
Confirm whether you have flood insurance and what it covers — especially important for barrier island and beachside properties
Know your deductible — hurricane deductibles in Florida are often separate from your standard deductible and can be significantly higher
Keep a copy of your policy and your insurance agent's contact information in your emergency kit
Document your belongings with photos or video and store copies in the cloud

If you are a veteran or active duty military member stationed at Patrick Space Force Base, you may have access to additional resources through USAA or other military affiliated insurance providers — take advantage of them!

Have an Evacuation Plan

When a mandatory evacuation order is issued — leave. No home or possession is worth your life or the lives of your family members. On the Space Coast barrier islands evacuation orders can come quickly — having a plan in place before a storm means you will not be scrambling when time is critical.

Your evacuation plan should include:

A designated meeting place for your family if separated
At least two evacuation routes — know your causeways and alternate routes inland
A pre-determined destination — family, friends or a pet friendly hotel inland toward Orlando or beyond
A plan for any family members with special needs or medical requirements
A communication plan if cell service goes down

For our active duty military families at Patrick SFB — make sure your chain of command knows your evacuation plan and that your family knows what to do if you are deployed when a storm threatens. This is a conversation worth having before hurricane season begins!

After the Storm

Once the storm has passed the work is not over. Returning home safely and beginning the recovery process requires just as much preparation and patience.

Wait for official clearance before returning to evacuated areas — especially barrier island communities
Document ALL damage with photos and video before cleaning up
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process
Be cautious of downed power lines, flooded roads and structural damage
Watch out for scammers and unlicensed contractors looking to take advantage of storm victims — always verify credentials and get multiple estimates
Reach out to your local emergency management office for available assistance programs
Check on your neighbors — especially elderly residents and military families whose service member may be deployed

Resources for Space Coast Homeowners

Emergency Management Contacts:

📞 Brevard County Emergency Management: (321) 637-6670
📞 Indian River County Emergency Management: (772) 226-4600
🌐 Brevard County Emergency Management: brevardfl.gov/EmergencyManagement
🌐 Florida Division of Emergency Management: floridadisaster.org
🌐 National Hurricane Center: nhc.noaa.gov
📻 Local Emergency Alert: Brevard County Emergency Alert System — sign up at brevardfl.gov

For Military Families:

Patrick Space Force Base Emergency Management Office
Military OneSource: militaryonesource.mil
American Red Cross Space Coast Chapter: redcross.org
Fleet and Family Support Center at Patrick SFB

The Military Group is Here for You

At The Military Group we are more than just a real estate team — we are part of the Space Coast community and we care deeply about the safety and wellbeing of every family we serve. Whether you are preparing your current home for hurricane season, looking to buy a home with storm resilience in mind, or navigating the insurance and recovery process after a storm — we are here to help.

Our team has deep roots in the Space Coast and we understand the unique challenges that come with living and owning a home in this incredible coastal community. From Sarasota to Marco Island and Punta Gorda to Naples — our growing team is here to serve you every step of the way.

If you have questions about how hurricane season might impact your home purchase or sale, or if you simply need guidance on protecting your investment — reach out to us anytime.

Stay safe. Stay prepared. And remember — The Military Group always has your back! 🇺🇸🏡

The Military Group at REAL Broker LLC
🌐 themilitarygroup.us
Real Estate for Military, by Military