Plan ahead: Hurricane shelter maps available in Polk County

Rachel Tucker
·1 min read

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — With hurricane season beginning in just nine days, Polk County Emergency Management officials urge residents to have an evacuation plan in place ahead of a potential storm.

Those who can’t leave the area can stay in one of 47 local shelters, which include lodging for people with special needs or pets. People who anticipate needing space at a special needs shelter can pre-register by calling Polk County Emergency Management at (863) 298-7027.

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“In the event a hurricane threatens Central Florida, we will work closely with our accommodations partners to determine the supply of available rooms. This information is critical in helping evacuees find lodging,” Mark Jackson, executive director of Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing said in a statement.

Residents can pick up a physical map at the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center, located at 101 Adventure Court, in Davenport. All Publix locations will have maps available by the end of the month.

“PCTSM relays this vital information to Polk County Emergency Management (PCEM) and area lodging facilities. PCEM uses this data to decide when and where to open shelters once area accommodations reach capacity. Evacuees can then be directed to open shelters using the map, which lists shelter locations and directions,” Jackson said.

The map also provides important sources of emergency information, telephone numbers and a list of recommended items to include in a “7-Day Survival Kit.” Residents should have enough food, water and prescription medications on hand to last them seven days, in the event they lose access to water and electricity during a storm.

More information about public shelters can be found on the Polk County website.

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