Hurricane season comes around every year, but the damage it brings does not have to catch you off guard. If you live in West Melbourne, you know wind-driven rain, power outages, and debris can turn a normal week into a serious test. With a simple, local checklist and a few smart upgrades, you can protect your home, speed up insurance claims, and reduce stress for your family.

Below you’ll find a clear, step-by-step plan tailored to West Melbourne, including a timeline, home prep priorities, insurance and documentation tips, and trusted local resources. Let’s dive in.

Why hurricane prep matters in West Melbourne

West Melbourne sits in Brevard County on Florida’s Atlantic side. The biggest risks for most neighborhoods are high winds, heavy rain, and short-term flooding that can back up drains and roads. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak months in late summer, so you want to be ready before storms form. You can follow official storm forecasts and cone updates through the National Hurricane Center.

Flood risk varies by street and by parcel. To understand your home’s risk and insurance needs, check your exact property’s designation on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. For evacuation guidance, shelter locations, and zone maps, rely on Brevard County Emergency Management.

Your timeline checklist

Pre-season: before June 1

• Review your homeowners and flood insurance. Note hurricane or wind deductibles and claim steps. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation offers consumer guidance on policy terms and deductibles; see the Florida OIR resources.
• Back up documents: IDs, insurance, deed, mortgage, and photos of your home. Store in the cloud and in a waterproof container.
• Inspect the roof, trees near the house, and gutters. Schedule repairs with licensed pros.
• Refresh emergency supplies and test generators safely.

Two to four weeks before a potential storm

• Trim or remove weak limbs near the structure. Hire licensed arborists for large trees.
• Clean gutters and yard drains so water flows away from the home.
• Secure outdoor furniture, potted plants, grills, and decor.
• Top off fuel for vehicles and generators; charge power banks and radios.

72–48 hours before expected landfall

• Stock water and food. Follow Ready.gov guidance for water at a minimum of 1 gallon per person per day for 3–7 days.
• Install shutters or close impact-rated windows and doors. If using plywood, pre-cut and label each panel.
• Move vehicles to higher ground if your street floods.
• Move documents and valuables to a high, dry spot.
• Program insurer and agent contacts into your phone.

24 hours or less before arrival

• Set refrigerators to the coldest setting and unplug sensitive electronics.
• Turn off propane tanks and main gas if directed by authorities.
• If evacuating, follow local instructions and shut off main utilities if safe.
• Take final photos and video of your home’s condition for proof of pre-storm status.

During the storm

• Shelter in an interior room away from windows and exterior doors.
• Avoid driving or walking through standing water.
• Follow local updates from the National Weather Service Melbourne office and Brevard County.

After the storm

• Do not enter damaged buildings until cleared by authorities.
• Photograph all damage before cleanup or temporary repairs. Keep receipts for tarps, boards, and supplies.
• Watch for downed lines and unsafe water.
• Contact your insurer quickly and follow adjuster instructions.

Protect key parts of your home

Roof and attic

Your roof is your first line of defense. If shingles are loose or flashing is compromised, schedule a repair. If you are renovating, talk with a licensed contractor about hurricane straps or improved roof-to-wall connections. Keep attic vents sealed or covered if recommended by your roofer to limit wind-driven rain.

Windows, doors, and garage doors

Impact-rated windows and doors or certified hurricane shutters are ideal. If you rely on plywood, pre-cut 5/8 inch marine plywood and label each piece. Reinforce the garage door with bracing because losing a garage door can lead to major structural damage.

Trees, landscaping, and drainage

Remove dead or weak trees and prune branches away from your home. Confirm your yard slopes away from the foundation and keep gutters clear. If you have a sump pump, test it and consider a battery backup.

Utilities and home systems

If you use a generator, install a transfer switch through a licensed electrician. Do not back-feed power through outlets. If your home sits in a lower area, elevate mechanicals like HVAC units where practical.

Flood mitigation

Check your flood zone and consider steps like elevating utilities or adding flood vents to enclosed crawlspaces if applicable. If you do not have flood insurance, remember new NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period, so buy early. Learn more at FloodSmart, the NFIP consumer site.

Document and insure for faster claims

Before a storm

• Create a dated photo and video inventory of the exterior, interior rooms, roof, garage, and mechanical areas.
• Record serial numbers for valuables and appliances.
• Store the inventory and key documents in the cloud and in a waterproof container.

After a storm

• Photograph every area of damage before removal or repair. Capture wide shots and close-ups.
• Keep a written log of insurance calls. Note dates, names, and your claim number.
• Save all receipts for emergency repairs, supplies, and temporary housing.

Filing tips

• Report your claim as soon as conditions allow. Expect busy call centers after major events.
• Make only temporary repairs to prevent further damage until the adjuster documents losses.
• Ask your carrier about preferred vendors, but still verify licenses and references.

Working with contractors

• Verify Florida licenses through the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Ask for proof of insurance and local references.
• Use written contracts that detail scope, materials, timeline, and payment schedule.
• Keep copies of permits and final inspections for your records and insurer.

Verify vendors and permits locally

For roof replacements and major repairs, permits are often required. Check requirements with the City of West Melbourne and Brevard County before work starts. You can find local notices and contacts on the City of West Melbourne official site. For statewide preparedness and recovery guidance, bookmark the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Local resources to bookmark

• National Hurricane Center forecasts and cone products
• National Weather Service Melbourne office
• Brevard County Emergency Management: evacuations and shelters
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• Ready.gov hurricane planning and supply lists
• Florida Division of Emergency Management
• Florida Office of Insurance Regulation consumer info
• Florida DBPR contractor license search
• City of West Melbourne official site

Printable supply checklist

• Water: minimum 1 gallon per person per day for 3–7 days
• Nonperishable food for 3–7 days and a manual can opener
• Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
• Flashlights, extra batteries, power banks, and a solar charger
• First-aid kit and prescription medicines for at least 7 days
• Cash, since ATMs and card readers may be down
• Copies of IDs, insurance, and home documents in a waterproof container, plus cloud backup
• Tools: wrench and pliers for utility shutoff, multi-tool, duct tape, tarp, and rope
• Car charger, full gas tanks, and spare fuel stored safely
• Pet food, water, leashes, crates, and vaccination records
• Masks, gloves, and disinfectant for cleanup
• Camera or charged smartphone for documentation

Preparing early protects your home and helps your claim move faster if you ever need it. If you are also weighing a move this year, timing your sale or purchase around hurricane season can make a difference. Talk with a local expert who knows West Melbourne neighborhoods and how storms affect buyer timelines and maintenance expectations.

Ready to plan for the season and your next move? Request a Free Home Valuation with the local team at Island Pineapple Realty and get a clear strategy for selling or buying with confidence.

FAQs

When does hurricane season impact West Melbourne?

• Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Peak activity is usually August through October, according to the National Hurricane Center.

How can I check my West Melbourne home’s flood risk?

• Look up your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to see your flood zone and discuss coverage with your insurance agent.

How much water should I store before a storm?

• Plan for at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3–7 days, following Ready.gov hurricane guidance.

When should I buy flood insurance for my home?

• Purchase well before storms. New NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period, as explained at FloodSmart.

Who issues West Melbourne evacuations and shelter info?

• Follow Brevard County Emergency Management for zone-based evacuations and shelter openings. Check pet and special medical shelter details early.

How do I verify a Florida contractor after a storm?

• Confirm licenses on the Florida DBPR site, ask for local references, and require written contracts and permits before work begins.