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© St. Petersburg Times, published May 26, 2002
It is the policy of the Polk County Emergency Management Division to recommend in-place shelter as the primary option during a disaster. For those
unable to remain in place, especially those in mobile homes, the remaining choices should be considered in order of preference. Whichever of the following
options is selected, it is advised that a disaster supplies kit be assembled and ready, a course of action be planned and that the plans be executed as soon
as practicable before the disaster hits. The recommended options are:
1. In-place shelter -- Plan to remain in your residence during the emergency, if possible.
2. Evacuate to friend's or relative's residence -- If forced to evacuate, it is less traumatic for all concerned to be sheltered with familiar people, in more comfortable surroundings.
3. Evacuate the area -- Other people leaving this area or areas in the projected path of the storm will also be on the road. Leave at least 48-72 hours before the storm is expected to strike.
4. Evacuate to a hotel/motel -- Make arrangements early as rooms will fill quickly with other evacuees.
5. Evacuate to a public shelter -- Confirm your shelter of choice is open before proceeding to that location or select another open shelter.
The Polk County Special Care Program is designed to provide sheltering at specific locations for clients with medical or physical conditions who require
assistance during the emergency. The program also provides transportation to shelters for those unable to evacuate on their own. A large number of people
in the program need electrical power for their medical support equipment. They are assigned to specially designed shelters because emergency generator power is available. Two of the three Special Care Shelters in Polk County are located with the public shelters at Stambaugh Middle School (3) and Lake Gibson High School (24). The third, located at the Polk County Public Health Department Specialty Care Units (4), is a special care shelter only.