Emergency Management


Staff Contact:

Betti Johnson, AICP
Principal Planner
4000 Gateway Centre Blvd.
Suite 100
Pinellas Park, Florida 33782



Bill Lofgren
Principal Planner
Phone: (727)570-5151 ext. 32

Disaster Recovery

Disaster recovery is not complete unless economic recovery is complete. History has demonstrated that it is far easier to rebuild roads, public facilities, and houses, than it is to restore economic vitality to a community affected by a disaster.


While the business continuity plan is organized around the four phases of emergency management - mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery - the rationale behind preparing a plan is basic. Businesses invest time and resources into preparing and implementing a plan to stay in business.

To stay in business a owner must ensure that his or her operation is:

  • Disaster resistant - able to withstand the effects of whatever hazard may strike,
  • Disaster resilient - able to rebound economically from a disaster and able to take advantage of post-disaster market opportunities.

Re-entry

  • Be Patient
  • Stay tuned to local radio station for instructions
  • Have employee photo ID or required passes for identification for reentry
  • Reduce unnecessary driving

Safety

  • Avoid downed power lines
  • Be aware of displaced creatures
  • Enter your business with caution
  • Inspect wiring after flood
  • Be careful with fire
  • Assess and record damages
  • Keep emergency communications open

Repairs

  • Make temporary repairs
  • Use a licenced contractor
  • Let the contractor pull their own permits
  • Document process
  • Be sure to have flood plain development permits (if applicable)
  • Avoid dumping wastes in drainage systems
  • Generators can help to get you up and running

Precautions

Employees

  • Use proper safety equipment
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Don’t lift with back
  • Stay away from unidentifiable items
  • Avoid power lines

Water

  • Be aware of potential bacterial contamination
  • Disinfect tap water until told its safe to drink
  • Listen to public health warnings regarding sewage disposal

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone by calling (727) 570-5151 or in writing to 4000 Gateway Centre Blvd., Suite 100, Pinellas Park, Florida 33782. Copyright © 2007 Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. All Rights Reserved.