Emergency Operations Plan
This Emergency Operations Plan, authorized by your Board of Directors and required by Florida Statute 553.509(2), outlines the procedures to prepare the property, residents, and staff for emergencies, including hurricanes and man-made disasters.
Its success depends on collaboration between owners, residents, property management, and maintenance personnel. In the event of a threat, stay informed via TV, radio, or trusted online sources.
Legal Disclaimer
While each association makes every effort to share helpful information regarding emergency preparedness and response, this Plan is not a substitute for professional advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Please consult your own legal, financial, or safety advisors. The Association does not accept liability for decisions you make based on this document and encourages you not to rely solely on it for critical safety planning.
Hurricane Awareness
All residents—whether full-time, seasonal, or guests—should be familiar with hurricane season and understand how to prepare.
Hurricane season runs annually from June 1 through November 30. Hurricanes are powerful low-pressure storms that rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and generate sustained winds above 74 mph.
Hurricane Categories:
- Category 1: 74–95 mph
- Category 2: 96–110 mph
- Category 3: 111–130 mph
- Category 4: 131–155 mph
- Category 5: 156+ mph
Warnings and Advisories
Tropical Depression: A system with low pressure and winds up to 38 mph.
Tropical Storm: A defined system with winds between 39–73 mph.
Tropical Storm Watch: Possible tropical storm conditions within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions expected within 24 hours.
Hurricane: A tropical storm reaching wind speeds of 74+ mph.
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions could threaten an area within 36 hours.
Hurricane Warning:
Hurricane conditions expected in a designated area within 24 hours—complete preparations immediately.
Evacuation Order: Issued by local authorities to instruct specific areas to evacuate.
Storm Surge Danger:
The storm surge—large waves driven inland by the hurricane—causes the majority of storm-related fatalities. It’s like a giant bulge in the ocean surface, and as it nears land, it can reach up to 20 feet in height and stretch 50 miles wide.
Ten-foot waves on top of this surge can inundate coastal areas less than 10 feet above sea level. With water weighing about 1,700 lbs per cubic yard, this force can destroy buildings built to withstand wind but not flooding.
Tornado Risk:
Tornadoes often occur at or near the eye of the hurricane, particularly on the east side, producing winds even more severe than the storm itself.

The Eye:
This is the calm center of the hurricane. It can bring a deceptive pause with blue skies and no wind. But once the eye passes, the storm returns—often with greater intensity. Do not leave shelter during this brief lull.
Once hurricanes move inland, they weaken but can still cause extensive rainfall and damage over several days. Make a plan in advance of a storm watch being issued.
When a Hurricane Watch is announced for West Central Florida, it doesn't guarantee landfall—but indicates there's a high likelihood of hurricane-force winds within 24–36 hours. This watch is the time to prepare.
Decide early—before watches or warnings are issued—what your course of action will be. Waiting too long can leave you stuck in dangerous traffic or conditions.
Helpful resources for forecasts,
shelters,
and evacuation routes:
What to Do Before a Hurricane:
- Stay in your home or unit (if permitted).
- Travel inland to stay with someone.
- Go to a designated public shelter.
Make your decision in advance and communicate your plan to loved ones. Evacuations can take 30+ hours if a strong storm is approaching.
After a hurricane hits, services may be disrupted. Expect no power, water, phone, or emergency response. Elevators may not function.
Staying in Your Unit
(If No Evacuation is Ordered)
- Remain indoors throughout the storm.
- Shelter in interior rooms away from windows.
- Avoid glass and exterior doors.
- Don’t be fooled by the calm of the eye—stay put until the official “All Clear.”
- Keep your phone use minimal—emergencies only.
- Stay informed using a battery-powered radio.
Things to Have Ready:
- Flashlights and spare batteries
- Battery-operated weather radio
- Bottled water and drinks
- Non-perishable canned food
- Manual can opener
- First-aid kit
- Prescription medications
Unit Preparation:
- Disinfect and fill the bathtub with water.
- Set your fridge and freezer to the coldest setting.
- Install storm shutters or any additional reinforcements.
- Fill your car with gas.
- Bring patio furniture and loose items indoors—they can become dangerous debris.
Evacuating Your Unit
If evacuating:
- Turn your fridge and freezer to the coldest setting and remove perishables.
- Shut off your main electrical breaker.
- Shut off your water supply.
- Secure all outdoor items inside.
- Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
- Lock your home and leave a spare key with someone you trust.
- Take photos of your property and belongings for insurance purposes.
Items to Take to a Shelter:
- Important documents and ID
- Food and water for 24 hours (2 gallons per person)
- Manual openers, utensils
- Medications, diapers, baby formula
- Flashlights, battery-powered radio, extra batteries
- Clothing, bedding, personal hygiene items
- Entertainment (toys, books, cards)
- Plastic garbage bags
Pets and Medical Needs:
Pet-friendly shelters require pre-registration by calling
727-464-3800. Residents with medical needs must also pre-register.
Visit
Pinellas County: Preparing Pets for Emergencies for more information.
After the Storm
- Listen to official updates from radio or TV.
- Don’t drive into flooded areas—6 inches of moving water can be dangerous.
- Avoid standing or flowing water; it may be contaminated or electrically charged.
- Don’t let children play near floodwaters.
- If someone needs rescue, call trained professionals.
- Wait until roads and buildings are declared safe before returning.
- Have all systems (gas, electric, water) professionally checked before use.
- Use only flashlights—not candles—for lighting.
- Only drink tap water after local officials declare it safe.
- Use phones strictly for emergencies.
Management & Maintenance Staff Duties
Safety comes first—staff should not risk their own families or property.
Tasks should be done well before landfall to allow time for personal preparations.
Management Responsibilities
- Protect association records, banking info, insurance, and contact details.
- Keep phones charged and updated.
- Hold a staff prep meeting and assign duties.
- Distribute “Emergency Head Sheets” and insurance docs.
- Notify police that maintenance will return post-storm.
- Secure pool furniture, check pool water levels, and shut off heaters.
- Secure golf carts and open gates.
- Confirm standby contractors.
- Ensure contact info is shared with the board and staff.
- Report damage to board ASAP after storm.
Maintenance Responsibilities
- Post evacuation notices.
- Secure all common areas and loose items.
- Remove pool furniture and secure indoors.
- Shut off unnecessary electrical breakers (e.g., pumps, docks, fountains).
- Shut off gas and main water lines.
- Adjust pool levels (raise for beachfront, lower for inland).
- Park and disable elevators.
- Fill fuel in generators.
- Secure dumpsters and trailers.
- Assist residents needing help.
- Set up “home base” in the clubhouse if available.
Each staff member must return once the
“All Clear” is given.
Beachfront staff must carry their return authorization letter.
Protecting Specific Areas
Pools – Beachfront:
- Secure all items.
- Fill pool with water to prevent saltwater intrusion.
- Shut off all pool/spa equipment.
- Store hanging/potted plants.
- DO NOT place furniture in pool.
Pools – Inland:
- Lower water by 4–6 inches. Add chlorine.
- Shut off pool/spa pumps.
- Secure all furniture and plants.
- DO NOT place furniture in pool.
Docks:
- Advise boat owners to secure vessels with slack lines.
- Shut off electrical and gas lines.
Elevators:
- Check sump pumps.
- Move to upper floors and disable.
- Post “Out of Order” notices.
Roofs:
- Clear drains and loose debris.
Grill Areas:
- Turn off gas lines and secure equipment.
Legal Disclaimer
As stated above:
This Emergency Operations Plan offers general information and guidance. It is not legal, financial, or safety advice. Always consult professionals. The Association is not responsible for any actions taken based on this plan.
Contact Us
Portview Property MGMT
2401 West Bay Drive
Building 400, Suite 432
Largo, FL 33770 USA
P: (813) 452-6600
