Special Needs Program

The Polk County Emergency Management's Special Needs Program provides shelter and/or transportation for persons who need assistance with physical or non-acute medical conditions who must evacuate during emergency conditions.  It is specifically for people who have no other transportation or shelter options.  It is preferred that eligible persons pre-register.  Eligible persons who evacuate to a Special Needs Shelter should bring all electrical/oxygen equipment with them, including oxygen concentrators.  For additional information, contact the Polk County Emergency Management Division at (863) 534-5600.

ELIGIBLES:  Polk County Residents who fit into any of the following categories, regardless of age, are eligible.

1.  Unable to administer own frequently required or daily injectable medications.

2.  Requires daily or more frequent dressing changes because of moderate or copious drainage, such as ulcers, fistulas, etc.

3.  Needs assistance with ostomy management, and indwelling catheters of any kind (n/g tube, colostomy bags, etc.)

4.  Activities of daily living are so restricted by immobility that their basic needs must be met by others and those people are unavailable for this emergency.

5.  Requires daily assessment of unstable medical condition by professional nursing personnel.  i.e., cardiac, diabetic, etc.

6.  Cardiac or respiratory conditions which require special equipment such as oxygen, apnea monitors, or nebulizer machines, etc.

7.  Terminal illness, yet ambulatory, in need of professional assistance in administering heavy doses of pain medication.

8.  All others deemed necessary by a triage nurse. 

If your medical needs are greater than the above listed criteria, please call the Emergency Management office at 534-5600.

Shelter	Address
Haines City Adult Daycare Center	751 Scenic Hwy Haines City, FL  Map
Lakeland Adult Daycare Center	1200 Southern Ave. Lakeland, FL  Map
Polk County Health Dept. Specialty Care Unit	1255 Brice Road Bartow, FL  Map