HURRICANE SEASON PREPARATION

Cocoa Beach Fire Chief Ryan Duckworth has prepared the following information to be prepared for hurricane season.
The 2017 Hurricane forecast lists 11-17 named storms, 5-9 hurricanes, and 2-4 major hurricanes
All residents of Cocoa Beach live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone so make sure to develop a plan! Be sure to closely monitor information from Brevard County Emergency Management at http://www.brevardfl.gov/EmergencyManagement/AlertSignUp and sign up for AlertBrevard emergency notification to receive information on the go during hurricanes and evacuations, this is a free service that alerts via cell phone, landline, and or/email. This is a new system that does not carry over the previously used CodeRed user information. Please visit the Brevard county EM website to register.
Very Important Storm Preparedness Information for Cocoa Beach Residents

Please direct all storm related calls for information or assistance to Brevard 211. The City of Cocoa Beach is not equipped to handle service/information calls other than 911 service or non-emergency public safety concerns during a storm event.
Individuals with special needs need to register with Brevard County Emergency Management prior to a storm event. http://web.brevardcounty.us/SpecialNeeds/Registration.aspx
The City of Cocoa Beach does not provide sandbags to residents. This is a County function that operates out of the Sheriffs work farm in Cocoa.
During evacuations, bridges DO NOT close. The only time bridges are closed is after a storm event until Engineers can inspect for integrity and/or damage. Bridge openings and closings will be communicated as quickly as possible through the Brevard County Emergency Management Office via social media to get the most accurate storm related information. @BrevardEOC on Twitter or Brevard EOC on Facebook
Please prepare ahead of a storm to be without certain utilities including electricity and potable water. Potable water system isolations may occur to protect the integrity of the entire utility system from breaks that are more susceptible along the barrier islands. You can fill your bath tub with clean water and purchase gallon jugs of water before the storm approaches to prepare for this. System isolations will be communicated as quickly as possible through the Brevard County Emergency Management Office (follow them on social media to get the most accurate storm related information quickly, @BrevardEOC on Twitter or Brevard EOC on Facebook).
The sewer system can easily fail due to flooding, power failure, and backup power failure creating backups in homes and roads.
A Category 1 hurricane will prompt a mandatory evacuation for all citizens within City limits.
Emergency services DO NOT operate during in conditions hazardous to life safety. If you choose to not evacuate, you are on your own until services resume.
Once emergency services resume, response is limited due to flooding, roadway obstructions, live electrical lines, and hazardous materials.

Register for AlertBrevard at http://www.brevardfl.gov/EmergencyManagement/AlertSignUp
For all storm related issues and concerns, call 211 for Brevard211 system