Storm Awareness and Preparation in Brevard County

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

As Floridians, we are accustomed to dealing with all kinds of storm events.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and storm surge, our regular afternoon thunderstorms, and even hail. Whether it comes out of the sky or from the ocean it makes its presence known in our lives multiple times every year. So here at SERVPRO of Central Brevard, we keep a close eye on the weather and are prepared to jump into action whenever the need arises. 

Each of these types of storms can cause their own unique kinds of damage. For instance, hurricanes can have wind damage, flooding, and even catastrophic structural damage. Afternoon thunderstorms can also cause wind damage and flooding, but numerous lightning strikes frequently cause structural damage and fires.  There are numerous combinations and we must all be vigilant and make sure we are prepared.

Now more than ever, during the current health crisis, early preparation is key. Necessary supplies can quickly disappear from stores during normal circumstances, when you put COVID-19 on top of that, not only are you going to deal with quickly emptying shelves but also long lines at checkout.  When survival instincts kick in even those at high risk, who should not be going out to seek supplies, will often do so anyway.  You cannot count on delivery services during these times simply because they will be overwhelmed, and supplies are likely to be short.

When preparing for a storm or hurricane event there are a number of necessary supplies we all need to have on hand to deal with the possible consequences of severe storm damage. In case of a power outage you will need flashlights, a battery-operated radio for weather updates and safety notifications, backup phone charger, and lots of batteries. Nonperishable food is essential as well as a supply of clean water to drink in case of city water contamination.  A fully stocked First Aid Kit is always a good idea to deal with minor or major injuries until emergency services can reach you.  Keep important documents such as ID and legal papers sealed in a waterproof bag so they will be safe and accessible if they are needed.  If you have pets you will need to have supplies stocked for them as well. Fill up the gas tank for all of your vehicles and make sure you have gas for a generator if you have one, fill your bathtubs with water to use for flushing toilets and cleaning, turn off your sprinklers, board up windows, secure outdoor items, and trim tree limbs.  It is also a good idea to take cash out of the bank in case of power outages cause stores to be unable to process cards.

These are just a few of the recommended items to make sure you have on hand in the event of a weather emergency.  Please see the attached Hurricane Supply Kit flyer for a more complete list of the supplies and actions we recommend.

Please be mindful and take each type of storm seriously. You never know when extreme weather will take you by surprise.

If you need help with your preparations, please do not hesitate to call us.  We offer a no-cost Emergency Ready Profile we can provide for your property to help you get back to normal as quickly as possible. And remember, if your property suffers damage in a catastrophic event we are always here to help.