Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness Hurricane Preparedness Hurricane Supply Kit [PDF] 2026 Emergency Shelter Map - English [PDF] 2026 Emergency Shelter Map - Spanish [PDF] TECO Information [PDF] Post-disaster Recovery Checklist [PDF] Frequently Asked Questions [PDF] Special Needs Residents with special needs, the elderly, and those without transportation require extra attention in order to stay safe during a disaster. Polk County has programs in place to help these residents prepare and find safe shelter. Registry for special needs. 2025 Special Needs Shelters: Tenoroc High School - 4905 Saddle Creek, Lakeland, Florida, 33801 Ridge Community High School - 500 Orchid Drive, Davenport, Florida, 33837 Florida Department of Health - Polk Specialty Care Unit; 1255 Brice Blvd., Bartow, Florida 33830 Shelters A special needs shelter is an emergency facility capable of providing special medical or nursing care which does not necessitate an acute care hospital setting. Eligible persons desiring special needs sheltering should pre-register with Emergency Management. A special needs shelter is a temporary emergency facility capable of providing care to residents whose medical conditions may require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen, or dialysis, or individuals with physical, cognitive, or medical conditions who may require assistance from medical professionals. Although special needs shelters provide more care than a general shelter, they do not provide the level of care found in a medical facility. Transportation If you need a ride to a shelter, regardless of special need status, arrangements will be made with Polk County Transit Services to pick you up and take you to your assigned shelter. If you are a special needs client, you will be asked about your transportation plans. Eligibility Polk residents are eligible at any age, who meet any of the following conditions: Activities of daily living are restricted by immobility and their basic needs must be met by others. Needs assistance with the administration of their medications. Requires dressing changes because of moderate/copious drainage (ulcers, fistulas) Needs assistance with ostomy management, and indwelling catheters (n/g tube, colostomy bags, etc.). Requires daily assessment of medical conditions by professional nursing personnel. (cardiac, diabetic). Cardiac or respiratory conditions requiring electrical medical equipment - oxygen 3 liters or less, apnea monitors, nebulizers, etc. All others deemed necessary by a triage nurse. Persons who require an evaluation and possible health care facility placement: Persons in sudden acute medical or emergency conditions. Oxygen-dependent persons requiring oxygen 4-liter flow and higher. Bedridden persons and persons requiring a hospital-type bed who, for medical reasons, cannot use cots for emergency bedding, and persons requiring Hoyer lift transfers. Persons require continuous air conditioning for medical reasons. Persons do not possess functional ambulation capability. High-risk pregnancy within four weeks of the estimated date of delivery or in active labor. Normal pregnancies should get instructions from their obstetrician. Registration To register for a special needs shelter and/or transportation, select one of the following options: Call the Polk County Emergency Management Special Needs Program at (863) 298-7027 Call your home healthcare provider Complete the Special Needs Registration Form, or the Spanish Polk County Special Needs Registration Form, and fax or mail it to: (863) 298-7172 Polk County Emergency Management Special Need Shelter Registration 1890 Jim Keene Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 Disaster Supply Information A disaster supply kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency: Food Water (1 gallon per person per day) Prescription Medications Cash Pet Food/Medication Flashlight Copies of Important Documents First Aid Kit When activated, the PODs for the City of Lake Alfred will be at the First Baptist Church of Lake Alfred, 280 E. Pierce Street, Lake Alfred, Florida.