High winds are a primary cause of hurricane property damage. Another cause is the flooding resulting from the coastal water surge accompany the storm.
Hurricanes can produce devastating damage to home, property and even life. Many people are unaware that tornadoes can form during hurricanes. These tornadoes are found relatively close to the eye wall of a hurricane where the conditions are ideal for their formation.
Hurricanes are the most devastating natural disaster, effecting thousands of people each year by its devastating effects. Hurricanes cause damage in a variety of ways through strong winds, storm surges, flooding and tornadoes.
Brevard will never be hit by a major hurricane -
SIMPLY NOT TRUE!
There is an old “tall tale” that persists, and is believed by some, that Brevard County will not be hit by a killer hurricane. The “tale” claims that the Federal government located the space program at Cape Canaveral and KSC because Brevard’s geographical characteristics and location made it immune to hurricanes. THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE Brevard County has been hit by major hurricanes in the past and it is only a matter of time when, not if, Brevard will be hit again. In 1871, 1880 and 1885 major hurricanes slammed into Brevard County, at and south of Cocoa Beach. The 1885 hurricane’s storm surge pushed the ocean over Cocoa Beach and into the Banana River, flooding out homesteaders and discouraging further settlement. The beach near the Canaveral Light House was so severely eroded, the government was prompted to allot money to move the light house one mile west. Historical information reported that the eye of a “terrible hurricane” took four hours to pass northward over Eau Gallie in 1876. In 1873, a major hurricane exited Florida near Melbourne. In 1928, a major hurricane caused heavy property damage from South Brevard to St. Lucie County. In recent history, Hurricanes Donna in 1960, David in 1979 and Erin in 1995 proved again that Brevard was not immune from hurricanes and the Andrew type “Big One” looms out there in our future. Brevard’s population has exploded since the late 1800′s, even since Donna in 1960, and consequently, even a moderate storm will cause considerable damage and danger to its citizens.
TOP 10 REASONS TO SAFEGUARD YOUR HOME AGAINST HURRICANES BY MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME:
- Increases your home value. Building features that increase your home’s hurricane resistance also increase its market value.
- Reduces the likelihood that you will need to evacuate (unless ordered to do so by the authorities). Homes built or retrofitted to meet the Miami-Dade building standards can withstand winds of up to 130 mph, a Category 3 storm.
- Improves your overall hurricane recovery time.
- Reduces the amount and extent of damage to your home from wind storms.
- Reduces your out-of-pocket expenses after a storm.
- Reduces the likelihood of an insurance claim.
- Prevents injury to your family from wind-borne debris.
- Can lower your insurance premium. By law, all licensed insurance companies must offer discounts on premiums for hurricane-strengthening features.
- Helps prevent damage to neighboring homes.
- Ensures your home meets statewide building codes for hurricane-resistance.
Also Don’t Forget About Fido And Fluffy
Pet Supply List
Brevard County Animal Services and Enforcement (BASE) advises all pet owners to include family pets in their disaster planning. Pets need to have an evacuation supply kit just like a family does.
The kit should include:
• Leashes, collars, ID tags (Brevard Animal License Tags should also be on your pet and are required at animal evacuation and pet friendly shelter)
• Immunization certificate (also required) and medical records
• A weeks supply of food and water
• Non-breakable food and water bowls
• Muzzles
• Cat litter and pan, cleanser, disinfectants and trash bags
• Brushes, combs and other grooming supplies as necessary
• Toys and comfort items
• Medical supplies as needed
• An animal carrier or collapsible cage marked with your name and contact information
Here for more information about how to be prepared for a storm.
