The 2026 Hurricane season begins on June 1st.

Lakeland Electric 2026 Hurricane Guide

National Weather Service / NOAA Updates | Florida Emergency Management

Important Contacts & Links:

Address Lookup & Utilities Service Area Map

Flood Risk Portal

Boil Water Alerts

Post Hurricane Resources

• Post Hurricane Resources

  https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ FEMA Phone: 1-800-621-3362  Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen; FEMA must be able to verify the applicant's identity; Applicant's insurance cannot meet their disaster-caused needs; and Applicant's necessary expenses and needs are directly caused by the declared disaster. If your claim has been denied:  Please reach out directly to FEMA at (800) 621-3362. You have 60 days to appeal after your claim has been denied. Unites States Department of Agriculture (USDA) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided available resources on how to prepare, recover and build long-term resilience during disasters. To learn more about the USDA's response to Hurricane Milton, click HERE. Types of assistance: Livestock Assistance Farm Loans Farmland Damages Crop Losses Additional Assistance Don't know where to start? Call HOPE FLORIDA at 833-438-4673 Monitor your local county Emergency Management websites for more localized information regarding housing, tarp, food, and water distributions.                -Hillsborough: https://hcfl.gov/residents/public-safety/emergency-management                -Polk: https://www.polk-county.net/public-safety/emergency-management/                -Pasco: https://www.pascocountyfl.net/services/emergency_management/index.php

  Important Contacts and Emergency Lines Polk County’s Emergency Management Division encourages residents to use the Citizen’s Information Line to answer Hurricane Milton-related questions, at (863) 298-7500 (locally) or toll-free at (866) 661-0228. The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) is now open and accepting calls 24/7 with English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole speakers available at 1-800-342-3557. The Hope Line is available to assist those in need of resources or other assistance after the storm. It is now available 24/7 for the next two-plus weeks at 833-GET-HOPE.

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  Register for State Assistance at Activate Hope:
  www.hopeflorida.com

  Register for Federal Disaster Assistance:
  www.disasterassistance.gov

  or call 1-800-621-3362.

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  Residents that may need help with debris cleanup can call Crisis Cleanup: 844-965-1386. Volunteers may be able to assist with: fallen trees, drywall, flooring & appliance removal, tarping roofs and mold mitigation.

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  The Florida Division of Emergency Management has announced the opening of Operation Blue Roof. Eligible Polk County residents can apply for this no-cost service through November 5, 2024 by visiting blueroof.gov, calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258), or visiting a Right of Entry (ROE) collection.
  

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  The Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services is hosting an insurance village at the RP Funding Center that is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  The village will serve as an opportunity for policyholders to meet with their insurance carriers in person and work together to file insurance claims. Policyholders should bring as much documentation as they can, including:

  • A driver’s license or other form of identification (Passport/State issued ID)
  • Insurance cards and insurance policy information/documentation
  • Pictures or documentation of the property
  • Repair estimates
  • Any additional insurance-related information that is readily accessible
    
    

  NOTE: Due to space limitations, the insurance village will exclusively focus on insurance related issues. Staff from other agencies will not be present to assist with other post-storm benefits. For more information visit www.FloridaDisaster.org. 

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  A debris hotline has been established. Staff will be able to let the caller know where debris haulers are currently working and explain the debris removal process.  The hotline is live: 863-834-TREE (8733).

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  Customers with damaged electrical equipment like a weather head or those in the heavily flooded areas may not get power until the floodwaters recede or damaged equipment undergoes assessment and repair by a qualified electrician. Please call Customer Service at 863-834-9535 to report electric emergencies and downed lines. 
  

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  United Way: 211
  For individuals, call for up-to-the-minute information, including school closures and sandbag distributions. Local Social Services Referal.

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  Red Cross: 1-800-Red-Cross

Boil Water Notices

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National Hurricane Center

TRAFFIC SIGNAL REMINDERS

TRAFFIC SIGNAL BLACKOUT—If all traffic signal lights are not working, treat the intersection as a four-way stop and observe the right-of-way rules.

FLASHING RED—A flashing red signal light means exactly the same as a stop sign: STOP! After stopping, proceed when safe and observe the right-of-way rules. Be careful as many times the opposite lanes of travel will have a flashing yellow light and are not required to stop.

FLASHING YELLOW—A flashing yellow signal light warns you to be careful. Slow down and be especially alert.

Keep 911 Lines Open for Emergencies

We completely understand that stress levels are high currently as we all await a Storm/Hurricane. We expect our 911 Communications Center will be VERY BUSY. 

If you need to speak to someone from LakelandPD but it is NOT an emergency call 863.834.6900. This line is manned by a team 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week. 

Polk County Government Florida has activated the Citizen's Information Line to answer Storm/Hurricane -related questions Call (863) 298-7500 

Know that our team of 911 Communications Specialists are here to take your emergency calls before, during and after the storm. Many of these amazing professionals have been serving the Lakeland Community for more than 20 years! You are in GREAT hands! 

Please help us assist those who need it the most by calling 911 ONLY in LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.

Generator Safety Tips

Widespread power outages are expected during a Storm/Hurricane. Portable generators are among the deadliest consumer products, emitting as much carbon monoxide as 450 cars—a colorless, odorless, DEADLY gas. 

Always Use Outdoors: Never run your generator inside your home, garage, or enclosed spaces. Keep it at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents.

Proper Ventilation: To prevent CO from entering your home, place the generator in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid placing it near doors, vents, or windows.

Install CO Detectors: Make sure your home has battery-operated or battery-backup carbon monoxide detectors. Test them regularly, especially when using a generator.

Never Refuel While Running: Turn off the generator and allow it to cool down before refueling. Spilled fuel on a hot engine can ignite and cause a fire.

Protect From Water: Keep your generator dry and off the ground. Use it under a canopy-like structure but away from where water can pool. Never touch the generator with wet hands.

Don't Backfeed Power: Only connect the generator directly to your home's electrical system if a qualified electrician has installed a transfer switch. Backfeeding can harm utility workers and damage your equipment.

Keep Extra Fuel Safely Stored: Store fuel in approved containers and away from living areas. Always keep it in a cool, well-ventilated area.

Turn Off When Not in Use: When you're away from home or going to sleep, always turn off the generator.