Bulletin Number 1

Bulletin 1: Workplace Preparation

If a Hurricane threatens the City of Pinellas Park, we must do everything possible to minimize its losses. Proper preparation of our work sites is an essential component of reducing the City's liability. 

Your assistance in completing the following procedures will greatly assist the City in reducing its liability in the event a Hurricane strikes our area.

During an Active Hurricane Watch

If a Hurricane Watch is issued prior to leaving work for the day employees are required to perform the following:

  • Follow all computer backup guidelines as issued by the Department of Information Technology regarding Computer Hurricane Emergency Procedures
  • Place all cardboard boxes in your work area above floor level
  • Provide keys to your desk and file cabinets to assigned office staff

During a Hurricane Warning

Workday preparation for if a hurricane warning is issued or likely to be issued, prior to leaving work for the day, employees are to prepare their work area for the probability of a hurricane. This involves the following steps:

  • Place all exposed papers and files in a desk drawer or file cabinet.
  • Place all desktop items in a desk drawer or file cabinet, such as:
    • In-baskets
    • Paper clip holders
    • Pen and pencil holders
    • Staplers
    • Trinkets
  • Cover with plastic:
    • Books
    • Computers
    • Computer components
    • Typewriters
  • Follow all computer backup guidelines as issued by the Department of Information Technology regarding Computer Hurricane Emergency Procedures.
  • Remove all wall hangings in your work area and store above floor level.
  • Offices with windows will require these items to be placed in a secure area, preferably a windowless office or storage area:
    • Chairs
    • Plants
    • Small furniture
    • Wall hangings
  • Unplug all electronic equipment in your work area from electrical outlets. If you elect to disconnect computer components make sure all cables are marked.
  • Close all doors in your work area.

Regarding non-workday preparation, if a hurricane warning is issued during the weekend, a day off, or a holiday, your work area may be prepared by office staff assigned to this task. It is important that the keys to your desk and file cabinets are left with assigned office staff.

Employee Question and Answer Document

The Employee Question and Answer document provides information on common questions employees have when the City is impacted by a storm.