Gather enough non-perishable food and water for everyone in your family for at least one week in case power goes out and you are unable to reach the store, taking into account the water needs of any pets. Make sure you have enough hygiene items for at least a week, and extra trash bags to dispose of any waste products. Store at least enough water for one gallon per person per day, to cover drinking, cooking, and sanitary needs. Use plastic, fiberglass, or enamel-lined containers that have been thoroughly washed. Avoid breakable containers such as glass bottles. Seal containers tightly, label with the date sealed, and store in a cool, dark place. Change water out every six months to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

If you have a smartphone, look into downloading one of many apps available to provide warnings about severe weather or other local alerts directly to your phone. These apps tend to be regional in nature, so do some research online to find a good app for reporting in your area.

When a Hurricane Warning is Issued

Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts. Clear them of debris. Clear storm drains of debris. Bring all exterior items, e.g. patio furniture, inside that you can. Leave items such as propane tanks outside, but anchor these and any other items left outside.

Bring all pets inside. Animals run a severe risk of injury if left outside, and even if they escape injury, they are extremely likely to panic and run away. Consider separating cats, dogs, and small animals – even if they usually get along, hurricanes are stressful situations and can increase the risk of fights. Make certain that you have whatever you need to secure them if you need to evacuate, such as cat carriers and sturdy leashes.

Close and board up your windows. Having open windows will allow water and flying debris to enter the home. Open windows also increase the chance that your roof will be blown off.

Prepare a family bag in case you need to evacuate in a hurry. It should contain copies of important documents (e.g. birth certificates, identity documents, insurance policy, medical records, etc., including for pets) in a fire and waterproof container, flashlights, a change of clothes, a first-aid kit, medications, water and non-perishable food, cash in a water-resistant or waterproof container, a portable crank- or solar-powered USB charger for phones (some can double as a radio), and any portable irreplaceable items such as photos. Digital copies of all paperwork and photos can also be kept on a portable flash drive.

During and After the Hurricane

If you are weathering the storm inside your house, take shelter away from windows. Even properly protected windows can break and provide a hazard.

Continue listening to updates about the hurricane from a trusted source, such as the National Weather Service and local news channels.

There is a potential for gas leaks from storm-damaged lines. Do not light candles, gas lanterns, oil lanterns, the fireplace, or other sources of open flame until power is restored and all lines have been checked. Use battery powered flashlights and lanterns for emergency light. Also be aware of downed power lines in the neighborhood, do not approach them and avoid any standing water in the area.

If winds die down, the hurricane might not be over. The eye of the hurricane is an area of calm winds, sometimes rather far across, at the center of the hurricane. It is surrounded by the heaviest winds in the storm. Check a reputable source to see the current location of the hurricane.

Be aware that even after the hurricane passes there is a risk of tornadoes and continued flooding.

 Haines City Fire Department 

Non Emergency 

863-421-3611

Haines City Police Department 

Non Emergency

863-298-6200

     Polk County Animal Control

7115 de Castro Road 

Winterhaven, FL 33880

863-577-1762

animalcontrol@polksheriff.org

Make A Plan

Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.  Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.

• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• What is my shelter plan?
• What is my evacuation route?
• What is my family/household communication plan?

Step 2:  Consider specific needs in your household.

• As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance.  Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:
• Different ages of members within your household
• Responsibilities for assisting others
• Locations frequented
• Dietary needs
• Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
• Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
• Languages spoken
• Cultural and religious considerations
• Pets or service animals
• Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan

• Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use them as a guide to create your own. Emergency Plan for Parents (PDF)

Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household

Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities

Get Informed

Know what disasters could affect your area, which could call for an evacuation and when to shelter in place. Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV, radio, and follow mobile alert and mobile warnings about severe weather in your area.

Make a Plan

How might a disaster affect you? Could you make it on your own for at least three days? After a disaster, you may not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore, so it’s crucial to plan for the resources you use regularly, and what you would do if those resources are limited or not available.

Additional planning steps should include:

•  
• Determine any special assistance you may need, and include in your emergency plan.
• Create a support network of family, friends and others who can assist you during an emergency, and share your disaster plans with them. Practice your plan with them.
• Make sure they have an extra key to your home, know where you keep your emergency supplies and how to use lifesaving equipment or administer medicine.
• If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital, find out their emergency plans and work with them to identify back-up service providers.
• If you have a communication-related disability, note the best way to communicate with you.
• Create a support network. Keep a contact list in a watertight container in your emergency kit.
• Be ready to explain to first responders that you need to evacuate and choose to go to a shelter with your family, service animal, caregiver, personal assistant, and your assistive technology devices and supplies.
• Plan ahead for accessible transportation that you may need for evacuation or getting to a medical clinic.
• Work with local services, public transportation or paratransit to identify your local or private accessible transportation options.
• Inform your support network where you keep your emergency supplies; you may want to consider giving one member a key to your house or apartment.
• Contact your city or county government’s emergency management agency or office. Many local offices keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be helped quickly in a sudden emergency.
• If you are dependent on dialysis or other life-sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility.
• If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your doctor or health care provider about how you can prepare for its use during a power outage.
• Wear medical alert tags or bracelets.
• If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information notes the best way to communicate with you.

Don’t forget your pets or service animals. Not all shelters accept pets, so plan for alternatives.

•       Consider loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area

•       Prepare an emergency kit for your pet.

Get your benefits electronically

A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is a simple, significant way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:

• Direct deposit to a checking or savings account. Federal benefit recipients can sign up by calling (800) 333-1795 or sign up online.
• The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper checks. Call toll-free at (877) 212-9991 or sign up online

Build a Kit

• In addition to having your basic survival supplies, an emergency kit should contain items to meet your individual needs in various emergencies.
• Consider the items you use on a daily basis and which ones you may need to add to your kit.
• Tips for People who are deaf or hard of hearing:
• A weather radio with text display and a flashing alert
• Extra hearing-aid batteries
• A TTY
• Pen and paper in case you have to communicate with someone who does not know sign language

Tips for People who are blind or have low vision:

• Mark emergency supplies with Braille labels or large print.
• Keep a list of your emergency supplies, and where you bought it, on a portable flash drive, or make an audio file that is kept in a safe place where you can access it.
• Keep a Braille, or Deaf-Blind communications device as part of your emergency supply kit.

Tips for People with Speech Disability:

If you use an augmentative communications device or other assistive technologies, plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if lost or destroyed. Keep Model information, where the equipment came from (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, etc.)

Plan how you will communicate with others if your equipment is not working, including laminated cards with phrases and/or pictogram.

Tips for People with a mobility disability:

If you use a power wheelchair, if possible, have a lightweight manual chair available as a backup.

• Know the size and weight of your wheelchair in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported.

• Show others how to operate your wheelchair. Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported.

• Purchase an extra battery for a power wheelchair or other battery-operated medical or assistive technology devices. If you are unable to purchase an extra battery, find out what agencies, organizations, or local charitable groups can help you with the purchase. Keep extra batteries on a trickle charger at all times.

• Consider keeping a patch kit or can of sealant for flat tires and/or extra inner tube if wheelchair or scooter is not puncture proof.

• Keep an extra mobility device such as a cane or walker, if you use one.

• If you use a seat cushion to protect your skin or maintain your balance, and you must evacuate without your wheelchair, take your cushion with you.

Tips for individuals who may need behavioral support:

Plan for children with disabilities and people including individuals who may have post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), who may have difficulty in unfamiliar or chaotic environments.

This may include handheld electronic devices loaded with movies and games (and spare chargers), sheets and twine or a small pop up tent to decrease visual stimulation in a busy room or to provide instant privacy, headphones to decrease auditory distractions, and comfort snacks and toys that meet needs for stimulation.

Additional Items:

• At least a week-long supply of prescription medicines, along with a list of all medications, dosage, and any allergies
• Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries
• Extra wheelchair batteries (manual wheelchair if possible) and/or oxygen
• A list of the style and serial number of medical devices. Include special instructions for operating your equipment if needed.
• Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards
• Contact information for doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt.
• Pet food, extra water, collar with ID tag, medical records and other supplies for your service animal
• Handheld electronic devices loaded with movies and games (and spare chargers), headphones to decrease auditory distractions, and comfort snacks and toys that meet needs for stimulation.

Special Needs Program:

Temporary emergency facility capable of providing medical or nursing care which does not necessitate a hospital.

Transportation assistance available to: Special needs shelter, public shelter, or nursing home/hospital.

Pre-registration in the program is preferred by contacting Emergency Management office (863)534-5600.

The three Special Needs Shelters in Polk County are:

Bring backup oxygen supply and medical/electric equipment and medications (at least 72 hours).

• Haines City Adult Daycare Center 751 Scenic Hwy., Haines City

• Lakeland Adult Daycare Center 1200 Southern Ave., Lakeland

• PCHD Specialty Care Units 1255 Brice Blvd., Bartow
• 
  

To register for the Special Needs Program or to receive more information, contact the 

Polk County Emergency Management Division

 (863) 534-5600 or Citizen’s Information Line (C.I.L.) 

at (863) 534-0321 or 1-(866)-661-0228.