WordPress gives you access to many tools and settings. However, not every area of the Dashboard should be adjusted during normal content updates.

On a government website, certain changes can impact public access, legal compliance, accessibility, or system stability.

This guide explains which areas should generally not be modified unless you are specifically authorized to do so.

Why Caution Is Important

Government websites often serve as official communication platforms. They may include:

• Public records

• Legal notices

• Meeting agendas and minutes

• Emergency alerts

• ADA accessibility features

• Archived documents

Accidental changes in certain areas can:

• Take the site offline

• Break public links

• Disrupt accessibility compliance

• Interfere with public notice requirements

• Create security vulnerabilities

Understanding boundaries protects the integrity of the site.

Areas Most Users Should Avoid

Unless you are an Administrator or specifically trained, avoid changing the following areas.

Plugins

The Plugins section controls additional features of the website.

Examples may include:

• Accessibility tools

• Emergency alert systems

• Agenda management systems

• Document libraries

• Security software

Do not:

• Activate or deactivate plugins

• Delete plugins

• Install new plugins

• Change plugin settings without approval

Disabling a plugin can immediately break important functionality.

Appearance (Themes)

The Appearance section controls site design.

Avoid changing:

• Active theme

• Theme settings

• Global styling

• Widgets (unless authorized)

• Header and footer layout

Changing themes or layout settings can alter the entire website structure.

Settings

The Settings area controls global site configuration.

Do not modify:

• Site URL

• Permalink structure

• Reading settings

• Time zone settings

• Homepage display

• Privacy settings

Changing URL settings can make the website inaccessible.

Changing permalinks can break thousands of existing links.

Users

Only authorized personnel should:

• Change user roles

• Delete users

• Create Administrator accounts

Improper user management can create security risks.

Tools

The Tools section may include import/export functions or site management utilities.

Do not run import/export actions unless instructed.

Be Careful With These Areas

Even if your role allows access, proceed carefully in the following sections.

• Menus: Changing menus affects public navigation immediately.

• Media Library: Deleting files removes them from all pages.

• Pages: Editing shared templates or layout pages may affect multiple sections of the site.

Always preview before saving.

High-Risk Changes

The following actions can significantly disrupt a government website:

• Changing the Site URL

• Modifying permalink structure

• Deactivating security plugins

• Switching themes

• Deleting widely used media files

• Removing accessibility tools

• Editing template files

These changes should only be performed by authorized administrators.

If You Are Unsure

If you are unsure whether you should modify something:

• Do not guess.

• Do not experiment.

• Do not “test and see what happens.”

Instead:

• Contact your web administrator.

• Submit a request through your internal process.

• Ask before proceeding.

Preventing issues is easier than fixing them.

What You Should Feel Confident Changing

Most department staff should focus on:

• Editing approved pages

• Adding announcements

• Updating meeting information

• Uploading approved documents

• Reviewing and publishing content (if authorized)

These tasks are safe within your role.

Why These Boundaries Exist

These restrictions are not meant to limit productivity. They exist to:

• Protect public trust

• Maintain ADA compliance

• Preserve legal documentation

• Ensure cybersecurity standards

• Prevent accidental downtime

Government websites must be reliable and consistent.

A Safe Editing Mindset

Before making changes, ask:

• Does this affect site-wide behavior?

• Does this change navigation?

• Does this impact accessibility?

• Does this alter public records?

• Am I authorized to make this change?

If the answer is uncertain, pause and confirm.

Summary

WordPress includes powerful settings and tools, but not all areas should be modified during routine updates.

Avoid changing:

• Plugins

• Themes

• Site settings

• URL structures

• User roles (unless authorized)

Stick to your assigned responsibilities and confirm before making structural changes.