Before the Storm Hits

Clearing and preventing blockages before a storm is the key to protecting your home from flooding:

• Clear and dispose of fallen leaves and yard debris from swales, rain gutters, curbs, stormdrains and  inlets. These inlets are designed to collect runoff and become clogged when yard waste is washed into them.
• Before a storm, gather outside toys or gardening tools, and direct downspouts away from your home or business (preferably into a grassy area). Often, garbage can lids are the cause of a blockage. 
• Make sure to secure your garbage can lids before a storm.

Determine Who is Responsible for Maintaining Your Stormwater System

• When it comes to the maintenance of your stormwater system, it’s best to find out who’s responsible for maintaining it prior to a storm event:
  • If you pay Homeowners Association (HOA) fees, there’s a good likelihood that the HOA is responsible for the regular upkeep and maintenance of your stormwater system.
  • Even if you have a Melbourne address, you may live in what is called Unincorporated Brevard County (meaning outside of city limits). If this is the case, Brevard County may be the responsible party. If you are uncertain, please call us and we'll assist you: (321) 608-7341.
  • Driveway culverts are (almost always) the responsibility of the home owner for regular care and maintenance. A driveway culvert is the pipe that goes under your driveway to allow continuous conveyance of stormwater.

Standing Water During the Rainy Season

• If you see standing water in a grassy area, it does not mean that there is a problem. During Florida’s rainy season, frequent rain events cause the soil to become saturated. Therefore, it takes longer for the water to be absorbed into the soil.
• If water stands for more than 72 hours after the rain stops, then you may need to look at how the water drains from your yard.

Questions?

• Please call the Stormwater Hotline: (321) 608-7341.