How Businesses Can Prepare for a Hurricane

As hurricane season approaches, businesses in vulnerable regions must focus on preparedness, not just for immediate physical safety but also for securing their facilities, assets, and operations. While many companies have contingency plans in place, it’s important to consider how your electronic security infrastructure will support your business during and after the storm.

At Security 101, we understand that effective preparation goes beyond basic emergency planning. A comprehensive security plan should anticipate threats to personnel safety, data integrity, and asset protection—before, during, and after the storm. Here’s a security integrator’s perspective on how businesses can prepare for hurricanes.

1. Strengthen Your Security Infrastructure Before the Storm

   Audit and Assess Your Current Security System

   • Start by conducting a risk assessment, a thorough audit of your current security system. Look for vulnerabilities in your cameras, access control, alarm systems, and network infrastructure that may be exposed during a storm.
   • If you rely heavily on perimeter security, ensure that cameras and sensors are rated for extreme weather conditions. Dome cameras should be reinforced and weather-resistant.

   Backup Power and Communication Systems

   • Ensure your security system has an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or is integrated with backup generators to keep critical systems like access control, video surveillance, and alarms operational during power outages. Battery backups for your critical systems can maintain operations long enough to switch to generator power.
   • A solid emergency response plan and redundant communication systems are essential. If one network fails, a secondary network (wired or wireless) should automatically engage. Cloud-based security management systems can also be critical as they allow remote access and control during an evacuation or blackout.

   Prioritize Cloud-Based Security Systems

   • Physical security devices can be vulnerable to damage during a hurricane, especially in flood-prone areas. By migrating certain aspects of your security infrastructure to the cloud, you can ensure business continuity. Cloud-based video surveillance, access control, and system monitoring allow you to view footage, grant or deny access, and receive real-time alerts from remote locations, keeping your business secure when personnel may not be on-site.
     
     
2. Protect Your Assets and Data

   Update Access Control Protocols

   • Restrict access to critical areas of your facility in preparation for a storm. In order to enhance data protection, review and update user permissions in your access control system to limit entry to essential personnel only.
   • Consider implementing advanced access control solutions such as mobile credentials, which allow personnel to access facilities via their smartphones without needing physical access cards that can be lost or damaged in chaotic conditions.

   Data Backup and Redundancy

   • Hurricanes present a dual threat to both physical and digital assets. Protect data by ensuring that your security system’s video footage and access control logs are regularly backed up offsite or in the cloud. Implement disaster recovery protocols for all critical data, including video archives, which can be crucial for insurance claims or investigations post-storm.

   Plan for Environmental Monitoring

   • Consider integrating environmental sensors that can monitor for water leaks, temperature fluctuations, and humidity. These sensors can trigger alerts when conditions threaten equipment and infrastructure, enabling you to take preventative measures.
     
     
3. During the Storm: Monitoring and Response

   Remote Monitoring

   • A well-prepared business should have remote monitoring capabilities. Security personnel or external monitoring services can keep an eye on your facility’s security systems from any location. This is particularly useful when evacuations are necessary or physical access to the site becomes impossible.
   • Ensure you have the necessary permissions to access your security system remotely, so that you can view live footage, respond to alarms, or lock down your facility if needed.

   Real-Time Alerts and Notifications

   • Set up real-time alerts to notify you of breaches, power outages, or environmental threats. Many modern security systems can send alerts via text, email, or mobile app, ensuring you’re always in the loop no matter where you are.

   Coordinate with Law Enforcement

   • Make sure your security team has up-to-date contact information for local law enforcement and emergency responders. If your facility is at risk during the storm, coordinating with authorities can expedite a response to security breaches or natural disaster recovery efforts.
     
     
4. Post-Storm Recovery and Security

   Post-Storm Damage Assessment

   • After the storm has passed, conduct a thorough assessment of your facility’s security infrastructure. Inspect cameras, access control systems, alarm systems, and perimeter security for damage.
   • Review any footage or data collected during the storm to assess breaches or incidents. This information is vital for post-disaster evaluations and may also be useful for insurance purposes.

   Reinforce Long-Term Security Measures

   • Use the post-storm period to reinforce long-term security measures. Review lessons learned during the storm and make updates to your systems. Consider upgrading to more resilient equipment, such as weatherproof cameras or flood sensors, to better prepare for future events.
   • Ensure your backup power systems are tested and ready for future use. You can also implement long-term data retention strategies to preserve important security data from future events.

   Employee Safety and Return-to-Work Protocols

   • Once it’s safe for employees to return to the facility, make sure your access control system is up-to-date with employee credentials. Ensure that security measures such as alarms and video surveillance are fully operational before resuming business as usual.

Conclusion: Proactive Security is Key

Preparing for a hurricane from a security integrator’s perspective involves more than just battening down the hatches. By taking a proactive approach to your business’s security infrastructure, you can ensure that your facility, personnel, and assets remain safe before, during, and after the storm. From regular system audits to cloud-based security solutions, businesses that implement comprehensive security strategies will be better equipped to weather the storm and recover faster.

At Security 101, we specialize in creating tailored security solutions that help businesses safeguard their operations through every phase of a hurricane. Contact us today to discuss how we can help your business prepare.

Here are some links that provide additional resources for hurricane preparedness:

1. Ready.gov – Business Hurricane Preparedness
   • The U.S. government’s official site on disaster preparedness offers a comprehensive guide on preparing businesses for hurricanes.
     Hurricane Preparedness for Businesses
2. FEMA – Business Continuity and Hurricane Preparedness
   • The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides resources and guidance to help businesses create continuity plans in case of natural disasters like hurricanes.
     Business Continuity Planning Resources from FEMA
3. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) – Storm Tracking and Updates
   • Stay up-to-date with the latest storm developments, forecasts, and warnings from the National Hurricane Center.
     National Hurricane Center
4. OSHA – Preparing Workplaces for a Hurricane
   • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration offers guidelines for ensuring employee safety and securing workplaces ahead of hurricanes.
     OSHA Hurricane Preparedness and Response
5. NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) – Emergency Power Systems
   • Information on emergency and backup power systems to keep critical infrastructure operational during and after hurricanes.
     NFPA Emergency Power Systems
6. The Insurance Information Institute – Business Insurance Claims After a Hurricane
   • Learn about how to file insurance claims following hurricane damage, and the importance of maintaining security records such as video footage.
     Insurance Information Institute – Filing a Claim After a Hurricane
7. US Small Business Administration (SBA) – Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Plan
   • The SBA provides resources for businesses to prepare for disasters, including hurricanes, and guidance on post-storm recovery.
     SBA Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Plan