911 For ‘True Emergencies,’ Polk Officials Remind After Hurricane Irma

BARTOW, FL — Polk County Fire Rescue officials are asking residents to use 911 only in true emergencies as calls continue to spike following Hurricane Irma’s run through the region. The agency reports its daily call volume has more than doubled since the storm.

“The highest increase in calls is linked to stress-related illnesses, such as high blood pressure, chest pain and anxiety,” Kevin Watler, agency spokesman, wrote in an email to media Friday. “There has also been an increase in hand and foot injuries, so people are encouraged to wear proper shoes and gloves as they clean up debris.” (For more hurricane news or local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Lakeland Patch. Click here to find your local Florida Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Fire rescue normally fields about 200 calls a day countywide, Watler said. Since Irma, the number is averaging about 500 calls daily. To keep up with the demand, the county has increased staff members in the field and the number of ambulances it has on the road, he said.

Watch: Hurricane Irma's Destructive Journey By The Numbers

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In addition, Watler said the number of automobile accidents in the county has climbed in recent days. This is especially so at intersections where traffic lights are out. Generator-related carbon monoxide poisoning also remains a concern. Earlier in the week, a 7-year-old girl from Lakeland died after a generator was used inside her home.

“With the call volume being so high, residents are encouraged to only call 911 when it’s a true emergency,” Watler said.

Polk County Fire Rescue’s non-emergency line is 863-401-2222.

Photo via Polk County Fire Rescue’s Facebook page.