Hurricane Season 2025: Polk County Residents Must Prepare Now!

Dundee Main Street Center, 310 Main St, Polk County, Florida, USA - As the 2025 hurricane season kicks into high gear, Polk County residents are advised to gear up and prepare for what could be a stormy few months ahead. With forecasts predicting an active season, the urgency for preparedness has never been greater. The Ledger reports that local authorities are encouraging residents to assemble emergency kits and take proactive measures before mid-August.

This year, residents should keep handy a comprehensive list of emergency contacts, which can be crucial in times of crisis. It’s recommended that people save important local phone numbers in their smartphones, print the contact list for easy access, and bookmark online resources. Here’s a quick look at some of the key emergency contacts you will want to have ready:

Essential Emergency Contacts

• Citizen’s Information Line: 863-298-7500, or 866-661-0228 (toll-free)
• Animal Services: 863-577-1762, or 1-888-275-8941 (toll-free)
• Sheriff’s Office: 863-298-6200, or 800-226-0344 (toll-free)
• American Red Cross: 800-RED-CROSS (733-2767), 24/7

Moreover, local municipal contacts can be easily reached, making it important to have these numbers at your fingertips, especially as severe weather is more likely this year.

Brace for a Busy Season

Dr. Michael Brennan from the National Hurricane Center expects a busy hurricane season for this year. Predictions include 13 to 19 named storms, which could bring 6 to 10 hurricanes of varying strength, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes at Category 3 or higher. This information adds to the urgency felt throughout the region, especially as many residents are still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Milton, which caused unprecedented flooding last year. USA Today highlights the importance of taking these forecasts seriously and acting now.

In light of these challenges, it’s vital for Polk County residents to stay informed. Signing up for local alerts through Alert Polk—the county’s messaging system—can help keep families updated with real-time information, especially as storms develop. Additionally, following local social media channels could provide even more timely information.

Preparation and Community Engagement

To further bolster community preparedness, a Hurricane Preparedness Fair has been organized for June 28, 2025, at the Dundee Main Street Center. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents can gather insights, resources, and preparedness tips. It’s a great opportunity to connect with local resources and ready themselves for potential impacts as the season unfolds.

Ultimately, it’s clear that storm season is upon us, and a collective effort is required. For local residents, the best strategy is to be informed, prepared, and proactive. In the face of potential storms, having the right contacts and resources at the ready can make all the difference when things get turbulent.

As always, residents are encouraged to report any valuable emergency contacts or local resources not mentioned by reaching out to swalsh@theledger.com. There’s something to be said for being prepared, especially when it comes to the severe weather that is all too common in our sunshine state!