Space Coast Homes: Prepping for Mother Nature's Surprises

Living on Brevard's Space Coast offers sun, surf, and space launches, but it also brings its own set of natural challenges. Hurricanes, flooding, and the occasional power outage grace us with their presence, reminding us of the force of Mother Nature. As charming as our coastline is, being prepared for these occurrences is part of the living package here. This guide is tailor-made for Space Coast residents, offering a sturdy blueprint to safeguard your home and loved ones against the unpredictable.

Create an Emergency Kit

First things first, an emergency kit is a non-negotiable. For those of us in Brevard, think beyond the basics with items like:

• Non-perishable food and water for at least 72 hours – hurricane season snacks, anyone?
• First aid supplies, because you never know when you'll need a Band-Aid or three.
• Flashlights and extra batteries – power outages are a part of our local charm.
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to keep up with storm updates.
• Important documents stored in a waterproof container. Yes, your Space Shuttle launch viewing passes count.
• Cash and credit cards – because not everywhere can process card transactions during a power outage.
• Prescription medications and personal hygiene items to keep you in good health and good spirits.

Develop an Evacuation Plan

Considering our unique layout from Titusville to Palm Bay, having a detailed evacuation plan is paramount. This should include:

• Multiple evacuation routes, because traffic jams and flooded roads are a reality here.
• A designated meeting spot for family members, preferably somewhere memorable and safe.
• Local emergency service contact information – our local heroes who know the Space Coast like the back of their hand.
• A list of vital phone numbers and addresses, just in case your smartphone decides to take a break.

Secure Your Home's Structure

Our homes here are as resilient as they are charming. To keep them that way, consider:

• Installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows to protect against those hefty winds.
• Securing loose roof shingles and fixing any lurking damage.
• Trimming trees and removing dead branches; an essential task to prevent unwanted "gifts" from the sky.
• Clearing gutters and downspouts regularly – our frequent rains will thank you.
• Anchoring outdoor furniture, because flying patio sets are never on trend.

Protect Against Flooding

Given that water is a big part of our lifestyle, flood-preparedness is key:

• Installing backflow valves on sewer lines to keep the sea where it belongs – outside your home.
• Elevating utilities like your water heater and electrical panel. Think of it as giving your appliances a better view.
• Applying waterproof sealants. It’s like giving your home a raincoat.
• Installing a sump pump with a battery backup, because manual bailing is not an ideal workout.

Prepare for Power Outages

Power outages and glorious lightning shows go hand in hand here:

• Invest in a portable generator, and remember, fuel is like gold; keep some on hand.
• Surge protectors are your friends. They're the unsung heroes saving your gadgets.
• Having a stash of batteries for flashlights keeps the night bright and minimizes trips and falls.
• Considering a whole-house surge protector might not be a bad idea given our electrical temperament.

Review and Update Insurance Coverage

Living near the space launches is awe-inspiring but doesn’t spare us from the wrath of Mother Nature:

• Review your homeowner's insurance policy annually. Ensure it's as ready for storm season as the rest of your home.
• Additional flood or earthquake insurance might be a good move. Better safe than sorry, as they say.
• Document belongings comprehensively. If it's good enough for the space station, it's good enough for insurance.
• Storing important documents in a fireproof and waterproof safe keeps them ready for a quick getaway.

Stay Informed

The key to staying ahead is staying informed:

• Signing up for local emergency alerts ensures you’re always in the know.
• Following local news and weather reports keeps you prepared for whatever comes our way – cyclones, blasts, or sunny days.
• Familiarizing yourself with community emergency plans and evacuation routes means you're always a step ahead of trouble.

Taking these steps doesn't just prepare you for natural disasters; it solidifies the safety and security of your home and family on Brevard's Space Coast. With hurricanes, thunderstorms, and occasional power outages as part of our normal, a bit of preparation can turn a potential headache into just another day in paradise. By assessing your home's vulnerabilities and addressing them well in advance, you'll be doing more than just protecting a property; you'll be preserving a lifestyle that's unique to our beautiful stretch along the Florida coast. Let’s keep our homes as ready as they can be, because around here, it's always wise to expect the unexpected.