June 1 is the official start of the 2026 hurricane season, and Polk County is encouraging residents to be prepared.
“Today is the start of the 2026 Hurricane Season and we want to make sure the residents and visitors of Polk County take proactive steps to prepare before a storm threatens,” Paul Womble, Polk County emergency management director, said in a statement.
NOAA released their predictions for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season on May 21.
Taking these steps now can make a difference when severe weather strikes:
- Build a seven-day emergency supply kit: Include enough food, water, medication and essential supplies to last at least seven days. Don’t forget flashlights, batteries, important documents, and items for pets. A suggested list can be found here.
- Create an emergency communications plan: Establish how your family will stay in contact if separated, and be sure to designate an out-of-town contact. Keep hard copies of key phone numbers, and consider the possibility that power and cell phone service may be out.
- Prepare your home and property: Review insurance policies, and store important documents in a waterproof container. Create digital backups of essential records when possible. Trim low hanging limbs and overgrown vegetation.
- Plan for special needs: Plan for those who may require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen, or other special needs. To register for a special needs shelter and/or transportation, visit the Florida Special Needs Registry.
- Know your shelter options: Polk County has 48 designated Potential Public Shelters, including three pet-friendly shelters and three special needs shelters. Shelters open as needed during an emergency.
- Stay informed: Sign up for the local alert system, Alert Polk to receive emergency notifications. Follow Polk County Emergency Management on social media for real-time updates and safety information during a storm.
Alert Polk: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736724723/ov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/polkcountyem
Instagram: @polkcountygovfl
X: @polkemergency
Residents and visitors are also encouraged to monitor weather via NOAA Weather radio and trusted news outlets.
For more hurricane preparedness information visit https://www.polk-county.net/public-safety/hurricane-preparedness/.
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