The 2012 map includes 45 shelters, three of which are designated as “Special Needs Shelters”, for residents with medical or physical conditions that would require special assistance during an emergency. Pre-registration is recommended, by contacting Polk County Emergency Management at 863-298-7027. Three additional shelters have been designated as “Pet Friendly”, with pets being limited to dogs, cats and birds only. Specific requirements apply at “Pet Friendly” shelters, so it is advised to check those requirements in advance. It should be noted that not every shelter may be opened during a particular storm, so evacuees are advised to confirm that a specific shelter has been activated prior to going there.