Polk: Use 9-1-1 For Life Threatening Calls Only

BARTOW, FL – While Hurricane Irma’s approach is making many Floridians nervous, Polk County is reminding its residents and visitors to keep a level head when it comes to the storm – especially about using 9-1-1.

Polk County Emergency Management reminded people in the county to use the Citizen’s Information Line for Hurricane related questions instead of using 9-1-1. County officials said to “please do not call 9-1-1 unless your situation is life-threatening,” in a release sent out on Sunday, Sept. 10.

The Citizen’s Information Line can be reached at (863) 401-2234 in Polk County or toll-free at (866) 661-0228.

Pasco County also reported that emergency vehicles will be pulled off the roads once weather conditions deteriorate to sustained winds in excess of 50 miles per hour. At that time, 9-1-1 calls will be triaged to determine priorities during the event.

For more information, follow Polk County Emergency Management on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/polkcountyem/.

Image: A City of Auburndale Police cruiser is pictured at the 2017 Auburndale Hurricane Expo.

Image via Polk County Emergency Management Facebook page