BARTOW, Fla. (February 2, 2012) - The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1st and continues through November 30th. Although the number of tropical storms and hurricanes typically peaks during August and September, it is important to remember that Florida can be impacted by tropical weather systems any time during the season.
Hurricanes and tropical storms can bring very dangerous weather to inland areas, including strong winds, flooding from heavy rain, and tornadoes. For inland communities, flooding and tornadoes are often the most hazardous impacts from these systems.
Polk County Fire Rescue asks individuals and businesses to do three keys things to prepare for a potential emergency:
o Prepare an emergency supply kit
o Have a disaster plan.
o Be informed about different types of emergencies
Severe Weather Awareness Week is an opportunity for Floridians to learn about the various weather hazards that frequently impact the state and how families and businesses can prepare for these natural events.
For more information on hurricanes or Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week, visit www.floridadisaster.org. Visit Polk County on the web, www.polk-county.net. Celebrate Polk, www.polkproud150.com.
More information: Hurricanes and Flooding
Bryce's Buddies Juvenile Diabetes Foundation is hosting the event. The event will be April 13th and 14th at the Winter Haven Airport. There will be lots of entertainment including live bands and a chicken wing competition. Please take a minute to read the following items:
Polk Firefighters are preparing for the 2012 Fight for Air Climb, a 42 story stairwell race in full firefighting gear. The annual fundraiser supports the American Lung Association. The photo above is from the 2011 event. Please consider making a contribution to this worthy cause.
Polk County BoCC Website
"After the Fire"
Includes brochure and
list of clean up and restoration contractors
New Lighweight Floor and Truss Placard Rule
Life and Kids
The Polk County Fire Rescue Division is the fire service branch of the Polk County Public Safety Department, which is part of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. We provide fire and rescue services for the unicorporated portions of Polk County through our network of 31 fire stations and a series of interlocal agreements with most of the 17 municipalities here in Polk. These interlocal agreements exist in the form of Automatic Aid, Mutual Aid, and contracted service. We also provide service for the City of Eagle Lake, the City of Polk City, the City of Mulberry, the Town of Lake Hamilton, and the Town of Hillcrest Heights.
Polk County Fire Rescue DivisionMailing Address:PO Box 1458Bartow, Fl 33831Physical Address:2470 Clower LaneBartow, FL 33830Office: (863) 519-7350Fax: (863) 519-7439
Chief's Corner: Firefighter Health and Wellness Resolutions for the New Year
Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:18:00 -0500
U.S. Fire Administrator Ernie Mitchell encourages fire departments to provide physical exams and implement a comprehensive fitness program this New Year.
Application Procedures Announced for the 2012 Harvard Fire Executive Fellowship Program
Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:11:00 -0500
Application procedures have been announced for the 2012 Harvard Fire Executive Fellowship Program. The program is once again sponsored through a partnership between the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), /International Fire Service Training Association/Fire Protection Publications (IFSTA/FPP), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). Applications are due no later than February 21, 2012.
U.S. Fire Administration Announces 2011 On-Duty Firefighter Fatalities
Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:11:00 -0500
United States Fire Administration announced today there were 81 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States as a result of incidents that occurred in 2011. This represents an almost seven percent decrease from the 87 fatalities reported for 2010.
National Fire Academy Launches FESHE Recognition Program
Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:03:00 -0500
The U.S. Fire Administration's (USFA) announced today a new National Fire Academy (NFA) program opportunity for educational institutions offering undergraduate fire science degree programs. This effort is designed to offer national recognition to students participating in the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model core associate's and bachelor's courses. The new FESHE recognition acknowledges the regionally accredited institutions that promote the standardization of fire science course titles, descriptions, and outcomes across the nation.
USFA Releases 2010 Fire Estimate Summary Series
Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:35:00 -0500
The 2010 Fire Estimate Summary Series presents information on the leading causes of residential building and nonresidential building fires, deaths, injuries, and dollar losses and overall trends in these leading causes.
FEMA Administrator Fugate Lauds Senate Confirmation of Ernest Mitchell as U.S. Fire Administrator
Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:52:00 -0500
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today praised the Senate for confirming Ernest Mitchell Jr. as the Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).
Fall Back on Sound Advice: Time to Change Your Clock AND Your Smoke Alarm Batteries
Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:52:00 -0400
As our nation moves back to Standard Time beginning this weekend, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) encourages you to mark the occasion as a time to test your home smoke alarms and replace the batteries if more than one year old.
USFA, Justice Department Initiate Emergency Vehicle Safety Study
Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:20:00 -0400
Study will assist in the development and demonstration of emergency vehicle and roadway operations best practices for the fire and law enforcement communities.
National Fire Academy Announces American Council on Education (ACE) Recommendation Implementation
Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:17:00 -0400
The National Fire Academy announces plans to implement recommendations provided by ACE after a recent curricula review.