What Hurricane Risks Do Inland Counties Face?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30 (National Hurricane Center). Inland residents mostly deal with:
- Wind: downed trees, power lines, and roof or lanai damage.
- Tornadoes: spin-up tornadoes can form in a storm's outer bands.
- Flooding: heavy rain can flood roads and low areas far from the coast.
- Power outages: outages can last days, which matters most for people who rely on electric medical equipment or refrigerated medicine.
The Lake County Office of Emergency Management says people who live in a site-built home, are not electrically dependent, and can manage daily activities are typically encouraged to shelter in place, while residents of mobile or manufactured homes are encouraged to evacuate to a safer location.
How Do You Get County Alerts?
| County | Emergency management | Alerts | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake | Lake County Office of Emergency Management | AlertLake | 352-343-9420 |
| Sumter | Sumter County Emergency Management | Stay Informed | 352-689-4400 (Citizens' Information Center during major emergencies) |
| Marion | Marion County Sheriff's Office, Emergency Management | Alert Marion | 352-369-8100 |
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
What Should Be in Your Supply Kit?
Use the state's hurricane supply checklist. The Florida Division of Emergency Management says to be ready to care for yourself for at least 72 hours. For active adults, add:
- A written list of medicines, doses, doctors, and pharmacy, plus refill plans.
- Backup power for hearing aids, phones, and mobility devices.
- Copies of ID, insurance policies, and important papers in a waterproof bag.
What Do You Do During a Tornado Warning?
Go to an interior room away from windows on the lowest floor. The National Weather Service advises going to a basement, safe room, or interior room away from windows, and seeking a sturdy building if you are outside. Have a NOAA Weather Radio or phone alerts on overnight.
How Do You Stay Safe From Flooding?
Never drive or walk into flood water. The National Weather Service's Turn Around Don't Drown campaign notes that more than half of flood-related drownings involve vehicles driven into hazardous water. Check your address on the state's Know Your Zone page.
How Do You Handle a Power Outage and a Generator Safely?
Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is colorless, odorless, and deadly. Ready.gov advises:
- Use generators and fuel only outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and attached garages. Never in a garage, even with the door open.
- Install battery-backed carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home.
- Keep the generator dry, connect appliances with heavy-duty extension cords, and let it cool before refueling.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed. A refrigerator keeps food cold about 4 hours; a full freezer about 48 hours.
- Talk to your doctor about a plan for electric medical devices and refrigerated medicines.
If you rely on electric medical equipment, consider the special needs registry before storm season.
How Should You Store a Golf Cart Before a Storm?
- Charge it while power is on, then unplug it.
- Park it in a garage or the highest, most sheltered spot you have.
- Never run a generator in the garage where the cart is stored.
- Do not charge or drive a cart that has sat in flood water. Have it inspected.
- Photograph the cart and serial number, and ask your insurer whether it is covered.
Our sister site has a full guide: Hurricane Prep for Golf Cart Owners.