The Red Cross has an emergency app that can be downloaded free to your mobile device. The app sends location-based weather alerts, includes tips on how assemble an emergency kit in the event of a power outage or evacuation, and a real-time map to help you find the location of shelters should you need to leave your home. The app can be found in smartphone app stores by searching for American Red Cross, texting ‘EMERGENCY’ to 90999, or by going to redcross.org/apps. Please share this information with your staff and constituents. For more information on what to do before, during and after a hurricane, please visit redcross.org/prepare/disaster/
Resources:
https://www.polk-county.net/public-safety/hurricane-preparedness/
Polk County Shelter Information: https://www.polk-county.net/public-safety/emergency-management/emergency-shelters/
Polk County Shelters Map: (Click here for larger map) – 2024 map, 2025 map will be out in May.
Special Needs Shelters including Elderly without Transportation: https://www.polk-county.net/public-safety/emergency-management/special-needs/
- Emergency: Call 9-1-1
- Polk County Sheriff’s Office NON-EMERGENCY: (863) 298-6200
- Polk County Emergency Management: (863) 298-7000
- American Red Cross of Central Florida: (813) 348-4820
- United Way of Central Florida Crisis Help: 1-888-370-7188
- Duke Energy Power Outages: 1-800-228-8485, texting OUT to 57801 or visit duke-energy.com
- American Red Cross Disaster Assistance: 1-866-438-4636
- FEMA: 1-800-525-0321
- Florida Dept. Agriculture & Consumer Services: 1-800-435-7352
- Florida Dept. Financial Services Consumer Help Line: 1-800-342-2762 TDD* 1-800-640-0886
- Florida Div. Emergency Management: (850) 413-9969
- Hurricane Help Line: 1-800-227-8676
- National Flood Insurance Program: 1-888-356-6329 TDD* 1-800-427-5593
- Poison Control Hot Line: 1-800-222-1222
- Traffic and Travel Information: 511 (FROM CELL PHONE)
