As Hurricane Milton , now a Category 5 storm, tracks toward a Wednesday night landfall near Tampa Bay and mandatory evacuations are taking effect, Polk County plans to open several shelters on Tuesday.
The county released some tips on Monday for residents who might need to use the shelters.
Polk County’s public and pet-friendly shelters will open at noon on Tuesday. Special needs shelters will open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday.
Live updates for Monday: Milton quickly becomes Category 5. Still on track to hit Polk County
Here are the locations of the public shelters to open at noon on Tuesday:
- Auburndale High School, 1 Bloodhound Trail, Auburndale
- Spessard Holland Elementary School, 2432 E.F. Griffin Road, Bartow
- Citrus Ridge Academy, 1775 Sand Mine Road, Davenport
- Horizons Elementary School, 1700 Forest Lake Dr., Davenport
- George Jenkins High School, 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
- Highlands Grove Elementary, 4510 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland
- Kathleen High School, 1100 Red Devil Way, Lakeland
- R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School, 5500 Yates Road, Lakeland
- Sleepy Hill Elementary School, 2285 Sleepy Hill Road, Lakeland
- Mulberry Middle School, 500 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Mulberry
- Lake Marion Creek Middle School, 3055 Lake Marion Creek Dr., Poinciana
- Chain of Lakes Elementary School, 7001 Hwy. 653, Winter Haven
- Winter Haven High School, 600 6th St. S.E., Winter Haven
Polk County residents: Sign up for text message updates and info on Hurricane Milton
Emergency Public Shelters
Shelters are an option for those unable to remain in place. Here’s what you need to know if you go to any Polk County public shelter:
- Weapons, alcoholic beverages and perishable food items are not allowed.
- Pack a list of medications and a seven-day supply of all medications. Bring documentation of medical information, including provider contact information.
- Meals are normally provided at shelters. However, bring special dietary foods if you require them, as well as snacks and other comfort foods (non-perishable).
- Cots are not provided at the shelters . Bring items to help you sleep comfortably.
- If you will have a baby with you, bring wipes, diapers, formula/food, blankets, medications and toys.
- Electricity to charge cell phones or other electronics may not always be available.
- Bring personal items such deodorant, extra clothing and an ID with current address and important papers.
- The shelters are sometimes cold. Bring blankets and sweatshirts to keep warm.
Pet-Friendly Shelters
Three pet-friendly shelters will open at noon on Tuesday. They are located at:
- Haines City High School, 2800 Hornet Dr., Haines City
- Lake Region High School, 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake
- Tenoroc High School, 4905 Saddle Creek Road, Lakeland
Only dogs, cats, birds and their owners will be allowed to shelter in Polk County’s pet-friendly shelters. Pet owners must bring shot records for their pets, an airline-approved carrying case or crate and pet food. Proof of up-to-date vaccinations must be presented at the shelter.
Special Needs Shelters
Special Needs shelters will open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday for residents with special and medical needs. Special needs shelters are temporary emergency facilities capable of providing care to residents whose medical condition may require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen or dialysis, etc.
They serve individuals with physical, cognitive or medical conditions who may require assistance from medical professionals. Although special needs shelters provide more care than a general shelter (such as cots), they do not provide the level of care found in a medical facility.
The Special Needs shelters are located at:
- FDOH Polk Specialty Care Unit, 1255 Brice Blvd., Bartow
- Ridge Community High School, 500 W. Orchid Dr., Davenport
- McKeel Academy, 1810 W. Parker St., Lakeland
For more Polk County Emergency Management information, please continue to monitor your local news media or call the Citizen’s Information Line at 863-298-7500 (locally) or toll-free 866-661-0228. Updated information also is posted at www.polk-county.net .
You can view Polk County Emergency Management’s daily live press briefings at 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. until further notice at:
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk County hurricane shelters: what to know, what to bring and not bring
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