Emergency Resource Guide
This is basic information for your reference. If you have any questions, please call City Hall at 863-984-1375.
Emergency Numbers
| Agency or Service | Phone |
| American Red Cross | 863-294-5941 |
| Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) | 800-621-3363 |
| Polk County Animal Services | 863-499-2600 |
| Polk County EMS/Fire/Sheriff’s Office (Emergencies Only) | 911 |
| Polk County Emergency Management | 863-534-5600 |
| Polk County Neighborhood Services | 863-534-5916 |
| The Salvation Army – East Polk County | 863-291-5107 |
| United Way Info Referral Service | 863-648-1515 or 800-881-UWAY |
Shelter Information
Choose from the links below to be connected to maps and directions to shelters as well as important weather information via the Internet.
| Shelter | Address |
|---|---|
| Dr. N. E. Roberts Elementary School, Primary Shelter | 6600 Green Road, Lakeland |
| Polk City Elementary School (This is not a hurricane-approved shelter. This is a shelter for other emergencies.) | 125 S. Bougainvillea Ave., Polk City |
| Auburndale High School | 1 Bloodhound Trail, Auburndale |
| Caldwell Elementary School | 141 Dairy Road, Auburndale |
| Stambaugh Middle School | 226 N. Main Street, Auburndale |
| Lake Alfred Elementary School | 550 E. Cummings St., Lake Alfred |
| Lake Gibson High School | 6901 N. Socrum Loop Road, Lakeland |
| Lake Gibson Middle School | 6901 N. Socrum Loop Road, Lakeland |
| George Jenkins High School | 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland |
Do not proceed to any shelter until you have confirmed that it is open and operating. Call 863-534-0321 or Polk City at 863-984-1375. All shelters will not be automatically activated for each emergency. They are opened as needed. Have a 72-hour survival kit ready to take with you. No pets, no weapons, and no alcoholic beverages are allowed in shelters. For pet-friendly shelters, call 863-534-5600.
Important Emergency Numbers
Evacuation Information
- Citizens Information Line (CIL): 863-534-0321
- Toll free: 866-661-0228
- Polk County website
Weather
- National Weather Service Radio
- Radio: Primary Emergency Broadcast System Stations
- WONN – 1230 AM
- WPCV – 97.5 FM
- Travelers Information System – 1610 AM
- En Espanol
- WSIR (Winter Haven) – 1490 AM
- WAUC (Wauchula) – 1310 AM
- WAVP (Avon Park) – 1390 AM
Preparing an Emergency Kit
Remember, prior preparation will help ease frustration and anxiety. Your family will cope better by being prepared for disaster before it strikes. One way is to assemble a 72-hour survival kit. A suggested emergency supply kit list is as follows:
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Books, magazines, cards, toys, games
- Canned meats, fruits and vegetables, canned juices, milk, soup
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Change of clothes
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- High energy foods, such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, and trail mix
- Infant care items
- Map of the area (for locating shelters)
- Medication – as well as your prescription information written down in a notebook for refills later
- Non-electric can opener
- One gallon of water per person per day
- Paper cups, plates, and utensils
- Personal hygiene items
- Plastic garbage bags
- Plastic storage containers
- Rain gear
- Special dietary food, if required
- Toilet paper, towelettes