Top 5 Hurricane Preparation Tips for Palm Bay Residents

Hurricane season in Palm Bay, Florida, is not just a time to watch the weather—it's a time to prepare, protect, and stay proactive. As beautiful as our coastal living is, it comes with the annual threat of tropical storms and hurricanes that can disrupt daily life and cause severe damage to homes and properties.

At Lafferty Hurricane Protection, we understand the risks that come with living in Florida’s hurricane-prone zones. That’s why we’re committed to helping homeowners in Palm Bay and throughout Brevard and Indian River County stay prepared and protected year-round. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, this guide will walk you through five essential tips to help you weather the storm with confidence.

1. Secure Your Home with Proper Hurricane Protection

One of the most critical steps you can take is to protect the most vulnerable parts of your home: windows, doors, patios, and garages. These openings are the first places hurricane-force winds and flying debris will target.

Invest in Hurricane Shutters or Impact Screens

If you haven't already installed hurricane shutters, now is the time to consider it. Shutters come in various styles, including:

• Accordion Shutters – Easy to deploy and retract, offering strong and reliable protection.
• Bahama Shutters – Provide shade and aesthetic appeal while still offering storm protection.
• Colonial Shutters – A classic look with hurricane-rated durability.
• Roll-Down Shutters – Motorized or manual, they offer the convenience of quick protection at the push of a button.

Don’t Forget Patios and Garages

Many homeowners overlook their patios and garages, but these areas are just as vulnerable. Our motorized hurricane impact screens provide powerful protection for large openings like patios and lanais. For garages, we offer hurricane-rated screens that provide added strength against wind pressure and flying debris.

Having these systems professionally installed ensures your home is ready before the winds pick up.

2. Create a Hurricane Emergency Kit

In the event of a storm, power outages, road closures, and limited access to supplies are common. A well-stocked hurricane emergency kit can make a huge difference in how you and your family weather the storm.

What to Include:

• Water: At least one gallon per person per day for 3–7 days.
• Non-perishable food: Enough for all family members, including pets.
• Flashlights and batteries
• First aid kit and medications
• Cash: ATMs and card readers may be down.
• Chargers and backup power banks
• Important documents: Insurance, ID, medical records, in a waterproof container.
• Manual can opener and basic tools

Store your emergency kit in a central location so it’s easily accessible when needed.

3. Make a Family Communication & Evacuation Plan

During a hurricane, cell towers may go down, and roads can become impassable. Having a communication plan ensures that everyone in your household knows what to do and how to reach each other.

Communication Tips:

• Choose a central meeting location if you're separated.
• Designate an out-of-town contact everyone can check in with.
• Make sure all family members know emergency numbers and your evacuation zone.

Know Your Evacuation Zone:

Palm Bay residents fall into specific evacuation zones, and these vary based on storm intensity. You can find your zone on Brevard County’s emergency management website. Always follow evacuation orders and leave early if advised.

4. Perform a Pre-Storm Property Check

A few simple steps can help reduce storm-related damage to your home and minimize insurance claims.

Outdoor Prep:

• Secure or bring inside all outdoor furniture, potted plants, grills, and décor.
• Trim trees and shrubs away from windows and roofs.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent overflow and water damage.
• Check your roof for loose shingles or damage.
• Inspect fencing and gates; reinforce them or remove panels if needed.

Taking these precautions ahead of time reduces the chances of flying debris damaging your home or your neighbors’.

5. Review Insurance Policies and Document Your Property

One of the most overlooked aspects of hurricane preparation is ensuring you’re financially protected. If you wait until a storm is imminent, it may be too late to update or file claims properly.

Check the Following:

• Is your homeowners insurance policy up to date?
• Do you have windstorm and flood coverage?
• What’s your deductible in the event of hurricane-related damage?

Document Your Belongings

Use your phone to take videos or pictures of each room in your home. Open drawers, closets, and cabinets to capture your belongings. This documentation will be invaluable if you need to file an insurance claim after the storm.

Bonus Tip: Work with Local Professionals You Can Trust

Palm Bay residents are no strangers to storm preparation, but not all protection solutions are created equal. At Lafferty Hurricane Protection, we’re proud to be a local, licensed, and experienced company that puts customer safety first.

We offer:

• Free estimates
• In-house installation teams (no subcontractors)
• Tailored solutions based on your home and budget
• Products that meet Florida Building Code standards

Whether you need accordion shutters for your windows, a motorized screen for your patio, or a full hurricane protection system, our team is here to make the process smooth and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a hurricane isn’t just about stocking up on supplies—it’s about taking proactive steps to protect your family, property, and peace of mind. With the right protection in place, a solid communication plan, and support from trusted local professionals, you can face any storm with confidence.

If you’re ready to take the next step in hurricane protection, contact Lafferty Hurricane Protection today for a free consultation. Let us help you stay safe and secure through every season.

📍 Serving Palm Bay, Melbourne, Viera, and surrounding areas in Brevard & Indian River County.

📞 Call us today or visit laffertyhurricaneprotectionfl.com to get started.