Emergency information for residents of Polk County
By Times Staff Writer
Published June 6, 2004
Click here for a printable Polk County evacuation zone map with current information about shelters. You will need the free Acrobat Reader from Adobe for viewing.
48. Winter Haven High School, 600 Sixth St. SE, Winter Haven
* Special care shelters
** Special care shelter located with emergency shelter
Emergency information
Resident information line (available only during emergency activation) (862) 534-0321
Radio: WONN-1230 AM, WPCV-97.5 FM, 1610 AM for travelers, WAUC-1310 AM in Spanish
Television: Consult listings for local television stations
Weather: Weather Channel, local TV stations, Lakeland Ledger LiNC (863) 291-4444 (weather update code 1200; tropical weather update code 1210)
National Weather Service in Ruskin (863) 645-2323
Important phone numbers
(Note: Do not call 911 for hurricane information. The 911 line is reserved for life-threatening emergencies only.)
Polk County Emergency Management (863) 519-7300
Polk County communications center (863) 534-0360
American Red Cross (863) 294-5941
Polk County Animal Services (863) 499-2600
United Way Information Referral Service toll-free 1-800-881UWAY
Polk County evacuation policy
It is the policy of the Polk County Emergency Management Division to recommend in-place shelter as the primary as the primary option during a disaster. For those unable to remain in place, especially those in mobile homes, the remaining choices should be considered in order of preference. Whichever of the following options is selected, it is advised that a 72-hour survival kit be assembled and ready, a course of action be planned and that the plans be executed as soon as practicable before the disaster hits. The recommended options are:
1) In-place shelter. Plan to remain in residence during the emergency if possible.
2) Evacuate to a friend's or relative's residence. If forced to evacuate, it is less traumatic for all concerned to be sheltered with familiar people in more comfortable surroundings.
3) Evacuate the area. Other people leaving this area or areas in the projected path of the storm also will be on the road. Leave at least 48-72 hours before the storm is expected to strike.
4) Evacuate to a hotel or motel. Make arrangements early as rooms will fill quickly with other evacuees.
5) Evacuate to a public shelter. Confirm your shelter of choice is open before proceeding to that location or select another open shelter.
Special care program
The Polk County Special Care Program is designed to provide sheltering at specific locations for clients with medical or physical conditions who require assistance during an emergency. The program also provides transportation to shelters for those unable to evacuate on their own. A large number of people in the program need electrical power for their medical support equipment. They are assigned to these specially designed shelters because emergency generator power is available. Two of the three special care shelters in Polk County are located with the public shelters at Stambaugh Middle School (No. 3 on the map) and Lake Gibson High School (No. 26). The third, located at the Polk County Public Health Department Specialty Care Units (No. 4), is a special care shelter only.
[Last modified June 2, 2004, 13:13:11]
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