When and how are evacuation orders and/or sheltering of hotel guests facilitated?
For a predicted notice event, emergency management officials recommend residents and tourists alike, utilize the transportation assets normally available to move around the county. Evacuations are done by zones so hotels should know what zone they are in so they can assist their guests with knowing if they need to evacuate.
For an acute incident, with no notice, the county may provide some services depending on what is needed, but hotels should have contingencies for their guests for incidents such as a fire, water incidents, tornado, or other events that occur on their premise. If that is not available, and emergency needs exist, this would be coordinated by first responders.
During hurricane evacuations, shelters are opened to the community at large which may include tourists who have chosen to stay in the area. There are no special accommodations for tourists. Pinellas Suncoast Transit (PSTA) buses may be utilized as transportation from hotels (as could taxis, ride-sharing apps, or other normal transportation means) during the evacuation with the understanding that high-profile vehicles such as buses will need to stop running earlier for the safety of their personnel and assets.
It is recommended that hotels have the ability to assist their guests with accommodations outside of the evacuation area or assist with evacuation transportation. Emergency management officials recommend tourists first leave the area before or during any evacuation orders that may be issued. Management at hotels needs to convey this information to all guests and should build in time to ensure guests leave in a timely manner so their employees have time to evacuate the premises as well.
How will evaction orders be issued and communicated to tourists and will evacuation assistance be provided?
For a hurricane, emergency management officials may recommend that tourists leave early. This will help reduce the chances of them being caught in the area when conditions deteriorate and services such as flights and hotels may be limited or unavailable.
All announcements will be sent out via media, social media, through the county's network of partners, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater (VSPC), Pinellas County Economic Development, area Chambers of Commerce, and the county's Ready Pinellas app and Alert Pinellas notification system. It is also recommended management staff at area hotels sign up for Alert Pinellas and reach out to VSPC with storm/evacuation information.
For hotel employees who must be on site until all guests leave, what transportation options are available to return to their homes or shelters after PSTA has halted its service due to weather?
It is recommended that hotels have a plan to notify and ensure guests are evacuated before conditions are unsafe for employees. Hotels should coordinate with their staff and understand their needs and plan for transportation for those who are asked to stay until guests are gone. Getting everyone to evacuate early should be a top priority so buses can safely stop running. Buses are susceptible to wind gusts and it is a safety issue for them to remain on the road. Bus drivers also need time to get to safety and/or home or a shelter.
