The Winter Haven Fire Department is a public safety organization that provides emergency and non-emergency services for the City of Winter Haven and some adjoining areas. Emergency Management Services provides the following specific services:

* Fire suppression operations.
* Emergency Medical Technician Services (EMT).
* Response to terrorist threats or incidents.
* Emergency extrication and rescue.
* High angle rope rescue.
* Shallow water (lakes, canals, etc.) rescue.
* Aircraft crash rescue.
* Chemical fire fighting capability.
* Standby at the scene of potential hazards of life threatening
   situations.
* Hazardous gas detection operations in residences and other
   locations.
* Animal rescue (when reasonable and appropriate).
* Removal of smoke and other noxious fumes or substances from
   buildings and homes.
* Evaluates request for burn permits.
* Assist any individual when presented with a reasonable and valid
   request that is within our capacity to do so.

Click Here to View the Emergency Preparedness Webpage!

Advisory: Advisory messages are issued by the national Hurricane Center, giving information on all tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes at midnight, 6 am, 12 noon, and 6 p.m. These adversaries are supplemented at 3-hour intervals when landfall is likely within 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Watch: A tropical storm is similar, but smaller than a hurricane. Winds associated with these storms are less than 74 mph, but can still cause widespread damage and flooding. Tropical storm watches are made for specific coastal areas where tropical storm conditions pose possible threats within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning: This warning means that tropical storm conditions, including possible sustained winds of 39-73 mph are expected in specific coastal areas within 24 hours.

Hurricane Watch: These watches are made for specific coastal areas. These are NOT warnings. These watches mean that a hurricane is close enough for everyone to listen to advisories and be prepared to take precautionary measures. Watches are usually issued 24-36 hours prior to landfall.

Hurricane Warning: This warning means that a hurricane is close enough to a specific coastal area that precautionary measures must be taken immediately. These warnings are usually issued 24 hours prior to landfall. However, if the hurricane's path is unusual, it may only be a few hours before landfall before the warning is issued.