Preparing for Hurricane Idalia


Lakeland Electric is prepared for impacts from Hurricane Idalia. We encourage you to prepare for this storm now. Our crews are ready to restore power as quickly and safely as possible following the storm. You can find important phone numbers and tips before, during and after the storm in our Hurricane Guide. For more important storm safety tips and updates, follow Lakeland Electric on our social channels. Remember to stay safe and avoid downed power lines.
At Lakeland Electric, we take storm preparedness seriously. We work tirelessly throughout the year to harden our grid, update our storm response strategies, and provide thorough training to our staff. When storms hit, we're ready to safely and quickly restore power to our community. We're keeping a close eye on the storm's path and encourage our customers to do the same. For tips and essential phone numbers on prepping and managing during and after the storm, check out our Hurricane Guide.
In the event of a power outage, our smart grid system will detect and report it to us automatically, so you don't have to. You can also check the status of outages in your area by visiting our online outage map.
Please be patient with us during the first few days following a large storm that has significantly impacted our power grid. As we assess the damage and deploy our resources, we will refine our estimated restoration times for neighborhoods, streets, and individual homes.
When using a portable generator, it is crucial to prioritize safety.
  • Keep children away from generators and run them in well-ventilated areas.
  • Use an isolation device between your generator and our service conductor to avoid dangerous feedback.
  • Never plug your generator directly into your wall outlet or electric system.
We encourage our customers to prepare a 7-day emergency kit and develop a plan for their families. If you need electricity for medical devices or refrigerated medication, make a backup plan now. Know where the closest Polk County special needs shelters are located and how to register. By asking these critical questions now, you'll be better equipped to handle whatever the storm throws your way.