Hurricane Safety in Florida’s Space Coast

A Guide for New Brevard County Residents

Welcome to Florida, the Sunshine State! While our beautiful beaches, warm weather, and vibrant communities make this an incredible place to call home, living here also means preparing for hurricane season. The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, is upon us, and it’s critical for new residents to be ready.

“The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season is here. Be prepared. I encourage all Florida residents and visitors to have a disaster supply kit and a household plan that considers the needs of children, seniors, and pets.” —Governor Ron DeSantis, at an interview at Home Depot in late May.

This article will guide you through building a disaster supply kit, understanding evacuation zones, safely using generators, and taking advantage of Florida’s tax-free holiday for hurricane supplies, using FloridaDisaster.org as a primary resource. Whether you’re in Brevard County or the Greater Orlando area, we’ve tailored tips to help you stay safe.

Building Your Disaster Supply Kit

Floridians are no strangers to hurricane preparedness, and many keep a year-round pantry stocked with essentials, augmenting it as the season approaches. For new residents, creating a disaster supply kit is the first step to ensuring your household’s safety. According to FloridaDisaster.org, every household should have a fully stocked kit with at least seven days’ worth of supplies for each member, including children, seniors, and pets. Here’s what you need:

Water. One gallon per person per day for at least seven days, plus additional water for pets. Consider reusable water containers to reduce waste.
- Tip: Fill up a bathtub as a storm gets close. You can use that water to flush a toilet if need be.
- Tip: Get a bottled water service, like Culligan and keep a few 3 or 5 gallon tanks on hand for hurricane season and boil water alerts.
Food. Non-perishable items like canned fruits, vegetables, meats, and ready-to-eat meals. Include a manual can opener, and don’t forget pet food.
- Tip: Over time, build up a food pantry with canned goods and pasta. Make sure you like eating it.
Batteries and Flashlights. Stock up on batteries (AA, AAA, and D sizes) and LED flashlights or lanterns costing $40 or less to navigate power outages safely.
- Tip: Get a solar cell to charge up your phones. They’re not expensive and can be a life saver.
- Tip: Get a solar generator for emergencies or camping trips.
Medications: A seven-day supply of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and any medical supplies specific to your family’s needs, such as insulin or inhalers.
First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any specialized items for children or seniors.
Important Documents: Keep copies of birth certificates, Social Security cards, insurance policies, and wills in a waterproof container or safe deposit box.
Go Bag: Keep all the stuff you need to function in one place. Go bags are storage for important documents, like passports, wallets and such. In an emergency, have all your items in one, easy to reach place.
Miscellaneous Supplies: Tarps ($100 or less), duct tape, reusable ice packs ($20 or less), portable power banks ($60 or less), and a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to stay informed during outages.

Have a Plan

Create a family plan at FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare, including a safe place for pets, as they should never be left behind during a storm. Ensure vehicles have at least half a tank of gas or are halfway charged to avoid fuel shortages during evacuation orders. For businesses, Business.FloridaDisaster.org offers resources to develop a continuity plan. Involve all household members in planning so everyone knows their role, and register for emergency alerts at FloridaDisaster.org/AlertFlorida to receive real-time updates.

FloridaDisaster.org offers a comprehensive checklist at FloridaDisaster.org/Kit to help you customize your kit. As a new resident, start small by picking up extra non-perishable items during grocery trips to avoid last-minute rushes. For pet owners, include leashes, collars, and portable pet beds ($40 or less) to ensure your furry friends are safe during an evacuation.

Understanding Evacuation Zones and Planning

Hurricanes can bring life-threatening storm surges, high winds, and flooding, making it essential to know your evacuation zone. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know to determine if your home is in a flood-prone area or evacuation zone. Governor DeSantis advises, “County emergency managers and local officials will be the first to warn you of any weather threats to your community and the steps you can take to stay safe.” Evacuations don’t always mean traveling hundreds of miles—often, moving tens of miles inland to a location that can withstand hurricane-force winds is sufficient.

Living in Brevard County, your location—beachside or mainland—greatly impacts your hurricane preparedness. Beachside residents in areas like Melbourne Beach, Cocoa Beach, or Satellite Beach face higher risks of storm surge and flooding, often requiring evacuation during major hurricanes. Use FloridaDisaster.org or Brevard County’s Emergency Management (brevardfl.gov/EmergencyManagement) to check your evacuation zone and identify shelters that accept pets. Mainland residents in West Melbourne or Viera may have lower flood risks but should still prepare for high winds and power outages. Ensure your plan accounts for crossing the Intracoastal Waterway, as bridges may close during severe storms. Brevard’s coastal charm comes with responsibility—stay vigilant and ready to act.

NOTE: We can and do lose power, cell phone and internet service!
Plan for outages. Keep a list of phone numbers and web links to your cel provider, internet provider and the power company. This helps you report outages and be informed when it’s restored.

Safe Generator Use: Powering Through the Storm

Power outages are common during hurricanes, and a generator can be a lifesaver for keeping essential appliances running. However, improper use can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, or electrical hazards. FloridaDisaster.org emphasizes the importance of safe generator operation, and companies like Lighthouse Electric Service specialize in setting up residential generators to ensure safety and reliability.

Here are key tips for safe generator use:

Choose the Right Generator: Select a generator suited to your needs, typically costing $3,000 or less to qualify for Florida’s tax-free holiday. A local electrician can help you choose and install a generator tailored to your home.
Never Operate Indoors: Run generators outside, at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents, to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Proper Installation: Have a licensed electrician, like those at Lighthouse Electric Service, install a transfer switch to safely connect the generator to your home’s electrical system, avoiding back-feeding into power lines, which can endanger utility workers.
Fuel Safety: Store fuel in approved containers ($50 or less) away from living areas, and never refuel a hot generator.
Maintenance: Test your generator regularly and ensure adequate fuel supplies, as outlined in Florida’s preparedness guidelines.

Partnering with local professionals ensures your generator is installed correctly, providing peace of mind when the power goes out. Stay tuned for a future article diving deeper into how Lighthouse Electric Service can help you prepare your home for hurricane season.

Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday

Florida offers two 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays to help residents stock up on essential supplies. The first ran from June 1 to June 14, 2024, and the second from August 24 to September 6, 2024, as signed into law by Governor DeSantis through House Bill 7073. While these periods have passed for 2025, new residents can plan for next year’s holidays, typically aligned with the peak hurricane season (August to October).

Eligible tax-free items include:

Flashlights, lanterns, and reusable ice ($40 or less)
Batteries and fuel tanks ($50 or less)
Tarps, ground anchors, and tie-down kits ($100 or less)
Generators ($3,000 or less)
Pet supplies like leashes, collars, and beds ($40 or less)

Check FloridaDisaster.org or floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep for a full list of qualifying items. Even outside the tax holiday, stock up gradually to spread costs and ensure availability.

Additional Preparedness Tips

Home Maintenance: Repair defective wiring, leaky gas connections, and cracks in ceilings or foundations. Secure heavy objects on lower shelves and make landscaping hurricane-resistant by trimming trees and securing outdoor items.
Insurance and Documentation: Review insurance policies for adequate coverage and document possessions with photos or videos for claims. Store documents in a waterproof location.
Stay Informed: Follow the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Instagram, X, and Facebook for weather updates and safety tips. A weather radio is critical for alerts during power outages.

Final Thoughts

As a new Floridian, whether in Brevard County’s coastal communities or mainland cities, embracing hurricane preparedness is part of life in the Sunshine State. By building a disaster supply kit, understanding your evacuation zone, safely using a generator, and leveraging resources like FloridaDisaster.org, you can protect your family, pets, and home. Governor DeSantis reminds us, “At the state level, we are ready to support any and all local needs this hurricane season.” Stay proactive, stay informed, and stay safe this hurricane season.

Stay safe this hurricane season!