All hands on deck, Lakeland. While we don’t know how severe Hurricane Dorian could be this weekend in Florida, we do ask that you stay safe.
Some important points to consider:
- The National Hurricane Center (NHC) releases updates every six hours: at 5 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m. + 11 p.m. Look out for the latest information at those times.
- Twitter is a helpful resource for getting down-to-the-minute, detailed updates regarding the storm. Follow accounts like @NHC_Atlantic, @NOAA, and @NWS.
- Sign up for emergency alerts + notifications from Polk County here.
- Polk County’s full list of disaster readiness is available here. Find out where you can get sandbags and other resources.
- Reference Lakeland Electric’s 2019 Hurricane Guide.
- Of course, any emergencies, downed trees, fires, etc. should be reported to 911. If you are unable to dial 911, you can also text your concerns to 911 or submit them via web on 911helpme.com.
Download these weather + emergency management apps
Find the following for free in your app store:
- AccuWeather: Weather Widget | Alerts, forecasts + animated radar maps.
- First Aid and Pet First Aid | Expert advice for everyday emergencies – protecting you and your pet. Includes videos and simple step-by-step advice.
- Hurricane: American Red Cross | Real-time, local alerts for severe weather + hazards, including: earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, winter storms, thunderstorms, extreme heat, wildfires + more.
- GasBuddy | Real-time fuel price information, plus station locations.
- Waze Carpool | Find other individuals to carpool with.
We’ve compiled the most crucial resources into an intensive guide for you, our readers. Use it to plan out your evacuation, keep your pets safe, and know where to go to get the latest updates as soon as they come out.
Build or replenish your emergency kit
- At least one gallon of water per person per day. #ProTip: In case water service is cut off, fill up your bathtub prior to the storm.
- At least three days worth of non-perishable + easy to prepare food (canned soups + veggies, dried meats + fruits, crackers, granola bars, peanut butter, etc.)
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight
- Extra cash
- A multipurpose tool (like a can opener or Swiss Army Knife)
- Portable generator
- Batteries
- Portable chargers (make sure all laptops, phones, iPads, etc. are fully charged)
Have a plan
Go over how to contact your person/people if you get separated, set a meeting place, and know the evacuation routes.
Safeguard your important documents + bring copies with you in a sealed Ziploc bag or waterproof case (ID, insurance card, etc.).
Use this preparation toolkit for tips on how to prep for the storm – which is conveniently broken down into an hour-by-hour guide.
Prepare your pets
Have enough water + food for your pets, and, if possible – have their vet records on hand + an ID tag on their collar. Most importantly, be prepared to take them with you – because you don’t know when you could come back, or what type of danger might occur at home.
Use the following website to help find pet-friendly accommodations while you’re on the road:
- PETSWELCOME | Search for pet-friendly hotels along your traveling route.
- Travel Pets | Directory of pet-friendly accommodations.
- DogFriendly.com | Dog-friendly hotels in the U.S. + Canada.
- PetTravel.com | Everything from airline pet policies to pet-friendly hotels – plus things you need to know about traveling with your pet.
Shoutout to all the first responders, journalists, grocers + civic employees who are working around the clock to keep us all safe, prepared + informed. Hurricane prep is truly a team effort.
Here’s how to do your part: Think of neighbors, relatives, etc. who are elderly or living with disabilities and may not be able to prepare for the storm independently. Reach out to them and see how you can help.
Stay safe, Lakeland.