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Bartow hurricane guide

Bartow is the inland county seat of Polk County. The city runs its own police and fire departments and its own electric, water, and garbage services, and the Bartow Fire Chief heads city emergency management. Hurricanes here bring high winds, tornadoes, and flooding from heavy rain.

Checked on September 30, 2026

Every phone number and web address on this page was checked against official sources on that date. Details can change, especially during a storm. Always follow instructions from the City of Bartow. In a life threatening emergency, call 911.

Official website: cityofbartow.net

What to know in Bartow

  • When flooding is a threat, the city has provided sandbags at the Bartow Fire Department, 110 East Church Street, and sand at the Public Works Backlot, 499 West Boulevard Street. It is self service, so bring your own shovel, and watch city notices for when sandbags are available.

Emergency and information numbers

Service Number Notes
City Hall 863-534-0100 Office line. Not for emergencies.
Police non-emergency 863-534-5034 For police matters that are not emergencies. This line also handles city utility emergencies after hours.

Official alerts and information

  • City of Bartow CodeRED: City alerts about major storms and planned power outages. Free alerts by text, email, or phone. Sign up before a storm. Website.
  • Bartow Emergency Management: The city's official hurricane information page. Website.

County services that cover Bartow

Polk County manages evacuation zones, evacuation centers, and emergency alerts for everyone who lives in Bartow. The Polk County guide has the full list of county numbers, radio stations, and recovery help.

Power, water and debris

  • Bartow Electric Department: After hours outage line. Main office 863-534-0142, weekdays 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Report an outage online or by phone. Assume every downed line is live and stay far away. Phone: 863-534-0134. Website.
  • Water and sewer (after hours): Bartow Police Utilities Dispatch. Report water main breaks, sewer backups, and low water pressure. During business hours, call Public Works at 863-534-0100, extension 3502. Phone: 863-534-5034. Website.
  • Bartow Solid Waste: City garbage collection. Call with questions about pickup before and after a storm. Phone: 863-534-0181. Website.

Sources

Checked on September 30, 2026. If a number or address here is wrong, please tell us at Keith@KMyers.me.