When a hurricane or strong tropical storm heads your way, barrier islands usually get the first evacuation orders. These narrow strips of land face big risks from storm surge, flooding, and wind damage, so acting early really matters.
If you know when to leave, where you’re going, and how to get there, you’ll make evacuation a whole lot safer and less stressful.
Evacuation plans for barrier islands usually have specific zones, like Zone A in lots of coastal counties. That often includes the islands, nearby low-lying spots, and mobile homes.
Local emergency management agencies lay out clear guidelines and routes to help people get inland before things get dicey.
If you understand the risks, figure out your evacuation zone, and get supplies ready ahead of time, you can react quickly when an order comes. That kind of preparation takes a lot of the uncertainty out and helps make the whole process smoother.
Understanding Barrier Island Evacuation Risks
Barrier islands deal with some unique dangers during hurricanes and tropical storms. Their spot on the map, low elevation, and basic infrastructure make them more likely to flood, get battered by wind, and end up cut off from help.
People who live there usually have less time to act when evacuation orders go out.
Storm Surge and Flooding Hazards
Storm surge is one of the worst threats for barrier islands. It happens when strong winds shove ocean water onto land, pushing water levels several feet above normal tides.
Low-lying spots on barrier islands are extra vulnerable since there’s barely any elevation to stop the water. Flooding can happen fast, cutting off roads and making it impossible to leave.
Even a moderate storm can bring 2–5 feet of surge above ground level. That can wreck buildings, wash away dunes, and flood homes.
When surge teams up with heavy rain, water rises even faster.
Remember, storm surge doesn’t just stop at the beach. It can reach neighborhoods near rivers, canals, and lagoons too.
Vulnerable Areas and Populations
Some places and housing types get hit harder during severe weather. These include:
- Barrier islands and coastal strips right on the ocean
- Low-lying areas that flood during storms
- Mobile and manufactured homes, which just don’t hold up to strong winds
Barrier island communities usually have just a couple evacuation routes. Traffic jams can slow things down, especially if people wait until the last minute.
Folks without their own transportation might need public transit. Local agencies sometimes send buses to pick people up at set locations.
Anyone with medical needs should plan ahead for a safe spot in a shelter that can handle special care.
The Role of Evacuation Zones
Coastal counties use evacuation zones to guide people during storms. They base these zones on elevation, flood risk, and how close you are to water.
For instance, “Zone A” might include barrier islands, Merritt Island, and some low-lying mainland neighborhoods. When officials issue a mandatory evacuation for these zones, it’s time to leave.
Evacuation zones help emergency managers focus their resources and avoid confusion. If you know your zone before a storm, you can make decisions faster when the order comes.
Authorities keep causeways open before a storm, but high winds can make them too dangerous for emergency vehicles. If you stay behind, you might not get help until things calm down.
Mandatory Evacuation Orders and Local Guidelines
When local officials issue a mandatory evacuation, they’re telling people to leave because there’s real danger. On barrier islands, these orders often come out ahead of bad storms to protect lives and keep emergency services from being overwhelmed.
Local governments handle the timing, routes, and shelter options to make sure people can evacuate safely.
When Mandatory Evacuations Are Issued
A mandatory evacuation means local or state officials are ordering everyone out. Usually, this happens when a hurricane, major surge, or wildfire is about to make the area unsafe.
Officials look at forecast data, tide levels, wind speeds, and how vulnerable the spot is. Barrier islands usually get the first orders because they’re tough to reach and have flood risk.
Once the order goes out, everyone needs to leave right away. Waiting can mean dangerous travel conditions, blocked roads, or missing out on emergency help.
Key things to do:
- Leave as soon as you hear the order.
- Use the official evacuation routes.
- Listen to law enforcement and emergency staff.
If you ignore the order, you put yourself and first responders in unnecessary danger.
Brevard County Emergency Management Procedures
Brevard County Emergency Management handles evacuations for barrier islands, Merritt Island, and the low-lying mainland in Zone A.
When a big storm heads in from the Atlantic, the county might issue a mandatory evacuation for these areas. They get the word out through TV, radio, county websites, and emergency alerts.
Residents should:
- Know their evacuation zone ahead of time.
- Plan how they’ll get out, especially if they don’t have a car.
- Secure their homes by closing windows, locking doors, and unplugging small appliances.
The county shares info on pet-friendly shelters and has special needs registries for folks who need extra help.
Evacuation routes are marked, and law enforcement usually directs traffic to keep things moving toward safer spots.
Impacts on Utility and Emergency Services
During a mandatory evacuation, many utility services get shut down in high-risk areas. Power might be turned off to prevent electrical problems from flooding or wind. Water and sewer systems can go down too.
Emergency services might stop responding once things get too dangerous. Police, fire, and medical crews can’t help until after the storm passes.
People should plan for:
- No electricity, water, or sewer service.
- Little or no emergency medical help.
- Road closures and no access until officials say it’s safe.
These steps protect everyone, but they make leaving early the smartest move.
Identifying Your Evacuation Zone
If you know exactly what evacuation zone your house is in, you can act fast when a storm threatens. Zones depend on stuff like storm surge risk, elevation, and distance from open water.
Local officials use these zones to decide who needs to evacuate first.
How to Find Your Evacuation Zone
You can check your evacuation zone through county emergency management websites or official maps. Many counties have online tools where you type in your address to see your zone.
Brevard County, for example, uses color-coded maps. Zone A—which covers most barrier islands—usually gets the first evacuation orders during hurricanes.
You can pick up printed maps at libraries, city halls, or emergency offices. These are handy if the internet goes down.
Check your zone every year since boundaries can shift after new storm surge studies.
Here’s a quick way to find your zone:
- Go to the county emergency management website.
- Use the address search or look at the latest map.
- Save a copy and write your zone on your emergency docs.
Merritt Island and Local Community Zones
Merritt Island sits between the Indian River Lagoon and the Banana River, which makes it really vulnerable to storm surge. Most of the island falls under Zone A.
Nearby places like Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Indialantic, and Melbourne Beach are in Zone A too. These areas usually evacuate early because they’re low-lying and only have a few bridges.
Some mainland areas near the Indian River, like parts of Rockledge and Cocoa, might also be in evacuation zones if they’re low.
People should know their main evacuation routes. For Merritt Island, that’s the SR 520 Causeway, the Hubert Humphrey Bridge, and the Pineda Causeway.
Leaving early helps you avoid traffic jams and makes the trip inland safer.
Preparing for Evacuation
If you live on a barrier island, you face bigger risks from surge, flooding, and high winds. With just a couple ways off the island and heavy traffic, you need to get ready well before any evacuation order.
Creating an Emergency Plan
Start with knowing your local evacuation zones and routes. On a lot of barrier islands, maybe only one or two highways connect to the mainland, and they can get clogged fast.
Decide ahead of time where you’ll go—maybe a friend’s house inland or a public shelter. If you’re in a mobile or manufactured home, plan to leave early since those structures don’t stand up to storms.
Make sure you include everyone in your household, even pets. Keep a list of important numbers in case your phone dies.
Try a practice run of your route when the weather’s good, so you know how long it takes and where to stop for gas. That helps you feel less anxious when the real thing happens.
Assembling an Emergency Kit
Your evacuation kit should cover basic needs for at least 72 hours. Pack everything in a tough, waterproof container that you can toss in the car quickly.
Must-have supplies:
- Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First-aid kit and any meds
- Important documents in a waterproof pouch
- Cash, and make sure it’s in small bills
If you live on a barrier island, throw in rain gear, sturdy shoes, and protective clothing for flooding.
If your family includes infants, seniors, or anyone with medical needs, pack formula, mobility aids, or extra oxygen tanks. Pet owners should bring leashes, carriers, and enough pet food for a few days.
Securing Your Home and Property
Before you go, do what you can to limit wind and water damage. Tie down or bring in outdoor furniture, grills, and trash bins so they don’t turn into flying debris.
Close and lock all windows and doors. If you can, put up storm shutters or board up the windows to protect against flying stuff.
If flooding is likely, unplug electronics and move valuables up high. In mobile or manufactured homes, shut off utilities—especially gas and electricity—to lower fire and flood risks.
If you’ve got a few minutes, snap some photos of your place for insurance. That’ll help if you need to file a claim later.
Evacuation Logistics and Safe Shelter Options
Evacuating from a barrier island takes good timing, reliable transportation, and a clear idea of where you’re going. There aren’t many roads off the island, and shelter space can vary depending on the emergency.
Transportation and Causeway Access
Most barrier islands connect to the mainland by just one or two causeways or bridges. These routes can jam up fast during an evacuation. Sometimes, officials close them early if winds get too strong or flooding starts.
Know exactly where each causeway is and which way it leads. Brevard County Emergency Management puts out maps showing main and backup evacuation routes.
If you leave early, you’ll dodge most delays. If you’re driving, keep your gas tank at least half full during hurricane season.
If you don’t have a car, line up a ride with friends, family, or emergency services ahead of time.
Law enforcement may direct causeway traffic to keep things moving. Once they close the causeway, you can’t come back until officials say it’s safe.
Shelter Types and Locations
Mainland shelters come in all sizes and offer different amenities. General population shelters keep you safe but don’t expect luxury. They’re usually in schools, community centers, or other public buildings.
If a lot of people need to evacuate, emergency services might open extra shelters. You can find out where these are from local radio, TV, or county websites.
Some shelters are set up for people with medical needs, with backup power and trained staff. You have to register for these in advance.
Depending on traffic, getting from the barrier island to the nearest shelter might take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour. It’s smart to pick out at least two shelter options in different directions, just in case.
Special Needs and Pet-Friendly Shelters
Special needs shelters help people who need medical assistance, mobility support, or devices that run on power. Brevard County Emergency Management keeps a registry for these, so sign up early.
Pet-friendly shelters let you bring your household pets, but you’ll need to bring cages, leashes, food, and vaccination records. Most regular shelters only allow service animals.
Space is tight at both special needs and pet-friendly shelters. If you have pets, check availability before you leave.
If you can, staying with friends or family inland tends to be more comfortable than a public shelter.
Returning Home After the Evacuation
Wait until local officials say it’s safe before heading back home. If you rush in, you might run into damaged infrastructure, unstable buildings, or find that emergency or utility services just aren’t available yet.
Take things slow—check everything carefully and keep in mind that some hazards can stick around even after the all-clear. Gradually restoring utilities and staying alert can make coming home a lot safer.
Re-Entry Procedures and Safety Checks
Local authorities like Brevard County Emergency Management will give the official go-ahead when it’s time to return. Make sure you check for any road closures, curfews, or re-entry permits that might apply to your area.
When you get there, start by looking over the outside of your home. Watch for downed power lines, gas leaks, or obvious structural damage.
Don’t go inside if the place looks shaky or unsafe.
Once you’re in, check for standing water, mold, or any damage to the ceilings and floors. Use a flashlight, not candles, since you really don’t want to risk starting a fire.
If you’re not sure the house is safe, reach out to local emergency services or a licensed inspector before you settle in.
Restoring Utility Services
Utility companies often shut off power, water, or gas during evacuations to keep people safe. Wait for confirmation from the provider before you try to reconnect anything.
Electricity: If the power’s out, take a look at the breaker panel for any damage before flipping switches. If you see exposed wiring, report it right away.
Water: Turn taps on briefly to flush out the lines and watch for weird colors or smells. If officials tell you to, boil your water.
Gas: Smell gas? Get out of the house and call the gas company or fire department from a safe spot.
Usually, utility crews start by restoring critical infrastructure, then move on to homes. It might take a while, but working with providers and being patient can help prevent more problems.
Post-Storm Hazards and Assistance
Even after the storm moves on, dangers can stick around for days or even weeks. Floodwaters might hide sharp debris, unstable ground, or even wildlife you don’t want to meet.
Damaged septic systems and contaminated water sources can bring serious health risks.
Wear protective clothing, gloves, and sturdy shoes while cleaning up debris. Toss out any spoiled food—no one wants to get sick after all that.
Keep kids and pets far from unsafe spots.
If your home isn’t safe to stay in, reach out to the American Red Cross, FEMA, or Brevard County assistance programs for help with temporary housing and aid.
Take photos and write notes to document all damage before you start repairs or talk to your insurance company.