From generators to supplies: Tips for getting through a hurricane

Sara-Megan Walsh, Lakeland Ledger
·3 min read

As Tropical Storm Idalia takes aim a Florida, Polk County residents are being encourage to prepare for impact of heavy winds and rains.

The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane Monday afternoon and make landfall as a Category 3 storm or higher — Category 4 is a possibility, experts say. That could make Idalia stronger than Hurricane Ian, which made landfall as a Category 2 storm last year and left parts of Polk without power for several days.

Here's a list of basic tips for anyone new to the area, or those of us who could always use a refresher:

Preparing for a hurricane

For residents taking steps to prepare for a hurricane, there are some things that should be done in advance to stay up-to-date with the latest news on Idalia and ensure that everyone can find safe refuge if needed.

  • Register for Alert Polk by singing up at www.alertpolk.com for county notifications.

  • If you or a loved one has special needs, you'll need to pre-register in advance for a shelter. Call 863-298-7027. For more information, visit www.polk-county.net/emergency-management/special-needs.

  • Create a digital inventory of crucial documents such as your identification cards, homeowner's insurance policy and other needed paperwork by taking photos on your cell phone.

More information is available online at Polk County's Hurricane Preparedness guide at polk-county.net/hurricane-preparedness.

Things to have on hand

Polk residents should prepare a seven-day emergency kit that would allow them to be self-sufficient for at least a week without having any access to utilities. Suggested items include:

  • Battery-operated flashlights, radios, etc. and additional batteries.

  • Canned, non-perishable foods with a can opener available.

  • Drinking water in non-breakable containers, approximately a gallon per person per day.

  • Make sure all cell phones are fully charge with working charge cord, car charger, back-up battery charger or solar-powered charger.

  • First aid kit with prescription medications, masks.

  • A change of clothes and shoes per each person.

  • A sleeping bag or blanket for each person.

  • Consider specialty items for infants, those with special needs, elderly or family pets.

Safe use of generators

Cathryn Lacy, spokeswoman for Lakeland Electric, provided The Ledger with these reminders for safe use of a portable generator during power outages:

  • Keep children away from generators.

  • Run generators in an open, well-ventilated area.

  • Do not operate a generator near combustible materials or expose it to water, or rain.

  • Do not leave excessive lengths of cord coiled up while carrying current. It may cause a fire.

  • Use an isolation device between your generator and Lakeland Electric's service conductor. Do not plug a generator directly into a wall outlet or an electrical system. It can create dangerous electrical backfeed into the power distribution system.

  • Never refuel a generator while it's running, allow it to cool before refueling.

Lakeland Electric has compiled an extensive 24-page 2023 Hurricane Guide that not only covers loss of electricity and power restoration but provides general survival tips available online at lakelandelectric.gov.

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Contacts to save

  • Citizens Information Line: 863-401-2234 or toll-free 866-661-0228

  • American Red Cross of Mid-Florida: 863-294-5941

  • Lakeland Police Department (non-emergency line): 863-834-6900

  • Polk County Animal Services: 863-577-1762

  • Polk County Sheriff's Office: 863-298-6200

Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on X @SaraWalshFl.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Here are some supply and safety tips for getting through the hurricane