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Paul Womble
Director
Phone: (863) 298-7000
Toll Free: (800) 780-5346
Email: PaulWomble@polk-county.net
Office Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Emergency Management is responsible for planning and coordinating actions to prepare, respond and recover from natural or man-made disasters in Polk County.
It manages the County Emergency Operations Center, which is the central coordination facility for all disasters. It also plans and conducts emergency training and serves as a liaison with state and federal emergency agencies.
Emergency Management also partners to produce Polk County’s annual Hurricane Shelter Map, hurricane shopping list and educational events to help residents prepare for a potential disaster. Emergency Management can help with emergency preparedness (alerts), health safety notices, finding storm shelters and finding hurricane shelters.
Additional responsibilities that Emergency Management helps coordinate include:
- Countywide 800 MHz Radio Shop
- 9-1-1 Addressing – (863) 519-7320 – 911Addressing@polk-county.net
- Emergency Planning – Emergency Management is responsible for the development and updating county emergency plans, including the Polk County Local Mitigation Strategy
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FAQs
Can I go to a shelter right now? It’s an emergency and I need a place to stay immediately.
Shelters are only open on an as needed basis during an event, not year-round.
Are pets allowed at Special Needs shelters?
No, we do not allow pets at Special Needs shelters. We only allow service animals in Special Needs Shelters.
Do I need to register my pet before I come to the shelter?
No, but you should bring vaccination records (if available), an airline-approved crate, and a seven-day supply of food for you and your pet.
Is there anyone who can help me with my roof damage?
Please contact your homeowner’s insurance company or local charities.
Is there a list of all the shelters?
Yes, click here to see a complete list of shelters. Shelter maps in English and Spanish are also available at most Publix locations and at the Emergency Operations Center at 1890 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven, FL 33880.
Yes. Please reach out to Emergency Management at (863) 298-7000.
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