Bartow, FL
Home MenuEXTREME WEATHER UPDATES AND INFORMATION
23-4164-R State of Civil Emergency Tropical Storm Idalia
Shelters - Tropical Storm - Hurricane Idalia
Potential Flooding - Tropical Storm - Hurricane Idalia
Parks & recreation facilities closure Idalia
Sandbags - Tropical Storm - Hurricane Idalia
2023-08-28 agenda EMERGENCY MEETING City Commission - T.S. Idalia
IF YOU ARE UNDER A HURRICANE WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY
- Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
- Evacuate if told to do so.
- Take refuge in a designated storm shelter, or an interior room for high winds.
- Listen for emergency information and alerts.
- Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
Storm Surge
Storm surge is water from the ocean that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around a hurricane. Storm surge is fast and can produce extreme coastal and inland flooding. When hurricanes cause storm surge, over 20 feet of water can be produced and pushed towards the shore and several miles inland destroying property and endangering lives in its path.
Be Informed
-
Storm surge is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States.
-
Water weighs about 1,700 pounds per cubic yard, so battering waves from surge can easily demolish buildings and cause massive destruction along the coast.
-
Storm surge undermines roads and foundations when it erodes material out from underneath them.
-
Just one inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage to your home. Homeowners and renter’s insurance do not typically cover flood damage.
Prepare NOW
- Know your area’s risk of hurricanes.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
- Practice going to a safe shelter for high winds, such as a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.
- Based on your location and community plans, make your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place.
- Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, and shelter locations.
- Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
- Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.
- Protect your property. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups. Consider hurricane shutters. Review insurance policies.
When a hurricane is 36 hours from arriving
- Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
- Restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
- Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
- Review your evacuation zone, evacuation route and shelter locations. Plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead.
- Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
- If you have NFIP flood insurance, your policy may cover up to $1000 in loss avoidance measures, like sandbags and water pumps, to protect your insured property. You should keep copies of all receipts and a record of the time spent performing the work. They should be submitted to your insurance adjuster when you file a claim to be reimbursed. Visit https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance to learn more.
When a hurricane is 18-36 hours from arriving
- Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
- Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
- Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
When a hurricane is 6-18 hours from arriving
- Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
- Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
When a hurricane is 6 hours from arriving
- If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
- Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
- Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
- Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Survive DURING
- If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades.
- If sheltering during high winds, go to a FEMA safe room, ICC 500 storm shelter, or a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor that is not subject to flooding.
- If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
- Listen for current emergency information and instructions.
- Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors ONLY and away from windows.
- Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
Be Safe AFTER
- Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
- Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
- Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
- Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
- Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
22-4131-R State of Civil Emergency STS Nicole
2022-11-07 Proclamation of Emergency and Orders STS Nicole
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
2022-10-22 City of Bartow Parks Update: All City parks are now open. The softball fields are open as well as the RC Track.
2022-10-14 City of Bartow Parks Update: All areas of Mary Holland Park will officially be open starting Saturday, October 15th. Bartow Park 555 Football field is open, but the Softball fields and the RC Track are still closed. Mosaic and McLeod Parks are still currently closed.
2022-10-10 22-4128-R Extending State of Civil Emergency Hurricane Ian
2022-10-10 Notice of Emergency Meeting
2022-10-06 Bartow Leisure Services Parks Closures Update. The following City of Bartow Parks are still currently closed:
- Bartow Park 555 (including playground, pavilions, RC track, football field & softball fields)- fallen trees and debris in common areas.
- Mary Holland Park (including playground, soccer fields, pavilions, dog park, walking trail & fishing areas)- Fallen trees and debris covering park. There are also some flooding/standing water issues.
- McLeod Park – fallen trees and debris throughout park
- Mosaic Park- closed for cleanup and Soccer Fields Project.
We hope to have an update on these parks by mid-week next week.
Cemeteries are open and available for services.
22-4126-R Extending State of Civil Emergency Hurricane Ian
2022-10-03 PUBLIC ADVISORY - ALL PRECAUTIONARY BOIL WATER NOTICES ARE RESCINDED
The City of Bartow has received satisfactory bacteriological survey results that show all water in the City is safe to drink following water main break repairs after Hurricane Ian. As a result, all precautionary boil water notices issued by the City are rescinded, including localized notices issued to residents on Sunday October 2, 2022. The City expects to deliver individual notices to affected residents within the next 24 hours.
If you have any questions, please call Public Works at 863-534-0100.
2022-10-03 UPDATE The City of Bartow began debris removal today.
The Solid Waste Department will continue to pickup regular yard waste, as well as regular bulk junk, on your scheduled collection day.
Garbage and recycle service will continue on the regular schedule.
There are some smaller isolated areas that will still be subject to a precautionary Boil Water Notice until additional testing of the water quality can be completed. All repairs to the water lines in these areas are complete. Testing is expected to be finished within the next 48 hours or less. Specific notices have been delivered to the residents and businesses in those affected areas. As soon as the final clean test results are received, residents and businesses in the affected areas will be notified.
The affected areas include all, or portions of, the following streets and areas:
• Peace River Estates, including Valencia Boulevard, Citrus Drive, Highland Street and Crestwood Avenue
• The areas of Dietz Road and Gandy Cemetery Road, including the interior streets of Shay Drive, Austin Circle, Kathy Road, Larue Court, Drew Court and Kristen Court
• Peace River Park Road, including the Youth Villa and Tianvica Riding Academy and businesses nearby
• The area bounded by 1st Avenue, Church Street, Searcy Avenue, and Boulevard Street
• Hill Court
• Woodlawn Avenue south of McLeod, and all of Orange Blossom Circle
• The portion of Clower bounded by McAdoo and Lake Ruth Boulevard
• The Mission Oaks subdivision area, including Mann Road, Lila Street, Hermosa, Helen Circle, George Street and De La Palma.
2022-10-01 UPDATE FOR ELECTRIC
2022-09-30 UPDATES FOR ELECTRIC AND PUBLIC WORKSBARTOW ELECTRIC - September 30, 2022, 3:00 p.m. update
2022-09-30 PUBLIC ADVISORY - Bartow is experiencing high volume at its regional sewer plant as a result of flood waters from Hurricane Ian. Water is expected to flow into the Bartow area for several days. Residents and businesses in Bartow, Eagle Lake and Central Polk County are advised to reduce water consumption as much as possible.
You can help by:
1. Using disposable plates and utensils and reducing or eliminating dishwashing;
2. Taking shorter showers and baths;
3. Limiting toilet flushing to the extent possible; and
4. Washing clothes only as necessary and limiting the use of washing machines.
This advisory will be in effect until further notice. Thank you for your help and assistance
2022-09-29 PUBLIC NOTICE - Friday, September 30, 2022 will be a normal work day for City staff, however, City facilities will be CLOSED to the public. As of late today (Thursday, September 29th) areas that would normally be accessible to the public require additional clean-up efforts and the boil water order is still in effect. Thank you for understanding.
2022-09-29 UPDATE - City of Bartow Electric Restoration At this time the City of Bartow has about 11,000 of its 12,600 electric customers are without power. The City was able to begin the electric restoration process at 8:30 this morning using all City of Bartow electric crews.
City electric crews are working diligently to restore power to everyone as quickly as possible. The least difficult repairs, affecting the greatest number of customers will be repaired first. Damage assessors will assist in the repair planning process.
Currently there are 68 line workers, approximately 8 tree crews and 13 damage assessors traveling to Bartow to assist with the power restoration process. Additional assistance is expected.
2022-09-29 PUBLIC NOTICE - A PRECAUTIONARY BOIL WATER NOTICE IS IN EFFECT FOR CITY OF BARTOW UTILITY CUSTOMERS. IT WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
NOTICE! 2022-09-29 -Assessments of the City of Bartow are ongoing by the police, fire and electric departments. Extensive power outages are noted. There are some road obstructions with downed trees and power lines. Please do not venture out. Less vehicular traffic on the roadways the better. Thank you for your patience.
City of Bartow - Sand and Sandbag Information as of September 27, 2022 the City of Bartow Fire Department is out of sandbags. Over 6,000 sandbags were distributed from the Bartow Fire Department in the last two days. Our supply has been exhausted by the demand. Polk County may still have sandbags available at one of their locations, addresses for those locations can found on their website: https://www.polk-county.net/emergency-management/sandbag-fill-sites
Florida Price Gouging Hotline 1-866-966-7226
- 2022-09-28 Due to the extreme weather conditions from Hurricane Ian, for the safety of Bartow's lineworkers restoration of electrical power will resume after the storm passes. Your patience is appreciated. Stay safe!
- 2022-09-28 PUBLIC NOTICE flooding
- 2022-09-27 UPDATE! PUBLIC NOTICE Bartow Executive Airport
- 2022-09-27 Hurricane Ian 5PM update
- 2022-09-27 POLK COUNTY SHELTERS
- 2022-09-27 PUBLIC NOTICE solid waste pickup schedule
- 2022-09-27 PUBLIC NOTICE City Facilities Closed
- 2022-09-27 PUBLIC NOTICE Bartow Executive Airport
- 2022-09-27 PUBLIC NOTICE parks and recreation facilities
- 2022-09-26 PROCLAMATION OF EMERGENCY AND ORDERS (IAN)
- RESOLUTION NO. 22-4124-R Relating to Hurricane Ian State of Civil Emergency_
- 2022-09-26 Notice of Emergency Meeting
- 2022-09-26 Hurricane Ian Update
- 2022-09-24 Tropical Storm Ian
- GOVERNOR DESANTIS EXECUTIVE ORDER O-22-218 TROPICAL DEPRESSION NO. 9
- 2022 Tropical Depression #9 Update 2
- 2022 Tropical Depression #9 Update 1