Hurricane Preparedness for Lakeland Homeowners: What to Do Before the Storm Arrives
Living in Lakeland offers many advantages, from beautiful neighborhoods and a strong sense of community to convenient access throughout Central Florida. However, as Florida homeowners know, hurricane season is a reality that requires preparation and planning.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or have recently purchased a home in Lakeland, taking proactive steps before a storm develops can help protect your property, reduce stress, and keep your family safe.
Start with a Home Hurricane Readiness Check
At the beginning of hurricane season, walk around your property and identify potential problems.
Things to consider:
- Inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles.
- Trim trees and remove dead branches near your home.
- Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and decorative items.
- Clean gutters and downspouts to improve drainage.
- Review your homeowner’s insurance policy and flood insurance coverage.
- Take photos of your home’s interior and exterior for insurance documentation.
Even though Lakeland is inland, hurricanes can still bring damaging winds, flooding, tornadoes, and extended power outages. Preparing early is always easier than scrambling when a storm is approaching.
Build an Emergency Supply Kit
Emergency management officials recommend maintaining enough supplies to be self-sufficient for several days following a storm. The City of Lakeland and Polk County both encourage residents to prepare well in advance of hurricane threats.
Your emergency kit should include:
- One gallon of water per person per day
- Non-perishable food
- Prescription medications
- Flashlights and batteries
- Portable phone chargers
- First aid supplies
- Important documents stored in waterproof containers
- Pet food and supplies, if applicable
Many Florida residents who experienced recent storms report that having extra water, food, medications, and backup power options made a significant difference during extended outages.
Know Your Flood Risk
Many homeowners assume flood damage only affects coastal communities. In reality, heavy rainfall can create flooding concerns throughout Central Florida.
Lakeland homeowners should familiarize themselves with local flood zone information and understand whether additional flood insurance may be beneficial. The City of Lakeland provides property-specific flood risk resources that can help homeowners better understand potential hazards.
Sign Up for Local Emergency Alerts
One of the most important steps you can take is ensuring you receive accurate, timely information.
Polk County’s Alert Polk system provides emergency notifications regarding hurricanes, severe weather, evacuations, boil water notices, and other public safety concerns. Residents can receive updates through phone calls, text messages, and email alerts.
Staying informed allows you to make decisions quickly if conditions change.
Know Where to Find Local Hurricane Resources
Before a storm is on the radar, bookmark these trusted local resources:
City of Lakeland Emergency Management
The City of Lakeland maintains hurricane preparation guides, storm updates, outage information, flood resources, sandbag information, and recovery resources. Their website is www.lakelandgov.net/emergency-management/hurricanes/checklist/. Be sure to follow them on social media too for more information.
Polk County Emergency Management
Polk County Emergency Management provides hurricane preparedness information, shelter maps, emergency alerts, and recovery assistance resources. Their website is www.polkfl.gov/public-safety/emergency-management/.
Shelter Information
Public shelters are opened as needed and are not automatically activated for every storm. Residents should verify that a shelter is open before traveling. Polk County also offers pet-friendly shelter options and special needs shelters for qualifying residents. To find the local shelter map, visit here www.polkfl.gov/public-safety/emergency-management/emergency-shelters/.
Citizens Information Line
During storm events, Polk County activates a Citizens Information Line to answer hurricane-related questions and provide updates. That number is (863) 401-2234.
Don’t Wait Until a Storm Is Forecast
One of the biggest challenges homeowners face is waiting too long to prepare. Once a hurricane enters the forecast cone, stores can quickly run low on supplies, fuel stations become crowded, and contractors may already be booked. Local residents frequently note that water, fuel, and essential supplies become difficult to find as storms approach.
Preparing now gives you more options and greater peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Hurricane preparedness is an important part of responsible homeownership in Florida. By creating a plan, maintaining emergency supplies, protecting your property, and knowing where to find reliable local information, you’ll be better equipped to weather any storm that comes our way.
At S&D Real Estate Services, we believe homeownership extends beyond buying and selling property—it’s about helping homeowners protect one of their most valuable investments. If you have questions about your property, neighborhood considerations, flood zone information, or preparing your home for Florida’s hurricane season, we’re always here to help.
Stay safe, stay informed, and prepare early.