Hurricane security and emergency response: total security solutions before, during, and after the storm

Author

Don Massey, M.S.

Mall and retail security - Tailoring retail security solutions

When a storm is approaching, the impact on shopping centers and retail environments can be swift and severe. Unlike other commercial properties, retail spaces must safeguard not only infrastructure, but also the safety of hundreds—sometimes thousands—of customers, tenants, and employees at any given time.

Panic can escalate quickly, looting risks rise, and unplanned shutdowns often result in significant damages and revenue loss. Without a comprehensive security strategy in place, a storm can inflict far more than physical damage. This is why proactive planning and professional security support are critical before, during, and after severe weather events.

Here at GardaWorld, we recognize the unique challenges of retail operations under pressure and offer hurricane security and emergency response solutions specifically tailored to shopping centers and retail properties. These services ensure that the right personnel, resources, and protocols are in place when they are needed most.

Whether reinforcing perimeter security, managing orderly customer flow during evacuations, monitoring key access points, or deploying highly trained officers for around-the-clock coverage, GardaWorld is committed to helping retail centers maintain safety, minimize disruption, and accelerate post-storm recovery.

Backed by decades of experience in disaster response, we do more than respond when the storm hits—we provide end-to-end support through every phase of the event.

Before the storm

This is the time for retail centers and property managers to focus on all controllable aspects of storm preparation—ensuring generators are fueled and tested, rooftops are cleared of debris or unsecured ladders, and ride-out teams are equipped with water, food, and other emergency supplies. A great deal of coordination and planning goes into preparing a property for an incoming storm.

Retail leaders should work with a trusted partner to develop a comprehensive emergency management plan—a strategic playbook designed to guide operations through emergency scenarios, particularly hurricanes and severe weather events.

During the storm

When the storm hits, real-time execution of your emergency security plan is crucial. Do you have a comprehensive emergency management plan? The goal during this phase is to protect human life, secure the premises, and maintain order amid chaos.

Here’s what your security team and operations staff should be doing throughout the duration of the storm:

Maintain a visible security presence
Security officers should remain in designated zones, wearing high-visibility gear and maintaining a calm, authoritative demeanor. A visible presence can help deter theft, looting, and panic among tenants or remaining staff.

Live monitoring of surveillance systems
CCTV and surveillance monitoring should remain active throughout the storm. Officers stationed at command or monitoring centers should log all unusual activity and remain ready to dispatch internal patrols as needed. Do you have our ECAM services at your center? Visit www.ecam.com for more information on how we can partner with your Mobile Surveillance and Live Monitoring needs.

Internal patrols and area checks
Where safe, internal patrols should continue at reduced intervals to check for flooding, damage, power failure, or potential safety hazards like broken glass, fire risks, or structural issues.

Assist with emergency medical or safety incidents
Security teams should be trained to respond to minor medical issues or hazards—providing basic first aid, helping people reach shelter, or coordinating with first responders if conditions allow.

Communicate constantly
Keep open lines of communication between all staff, local emergency management, and internal leadership. Radios, group messaging systems, or emergency apps should be used for real-time updates and instructions.

Control panic and manage behavior
Security officers should remain calm and reassuring, discouraging panic among any onsite individuals. Emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills are critical during this time.

Monitor structural and utility systems
Stay alert for signs of structural issues, water leaks, electrical issues, or gas smells. Coordinate immediately with facility engineers or shut down utilities if advised.

Log everything
Document every security incident, unusual occurrence, or decision made during the storm. This real-time log will be vital for post-storm debriefs, liability protection, and recovery planning.

After the storm

Once the storm has passed, the focus shifts to recovery, restoration, and protecting the property from secondary risks. For shopping centers and retail properties, this phase is just as critical as preparation and response.

The first priority is safety. Security teams should immediately assess the property for hazards such as structural damage, downed power lines, broken glass, or flooding. Access to the site should be tightly controlled until it is confirmed safe for re-entry. Emergency personnel, maintenance crews, and authorized tenants should be guided back onto the property under the supervision of security staff.

Post-storm patrols should be conducted continuously to monitor for looting, vandalism, or unauthorized entry. With power potentially out and surveillance systems temporarily offline, an on-site security presence is vital to prevent opportunistic crimes.

GardaWorld’s post-storm security services are designed to support shopping centers through this critical transition. This includes 24/7 officer coverage, mobile patrols, damage reporting, traffic and crowd control, and assistance with emergency vendors or utility crews as they begin restoration work.

Clear communication with tenants, customers, and stakeholders is also essential. Property managers should rely on their comprehensive emergency management plan and security team to provide updates, control re-entry schedules, and help restore order quickly and safely.

The goal after a storm is not only to clean up and reopen, but to do so with confidence, coordination, and control. GardaWorld stands ready to support retail environments every step of the way—ensuring the path to normal operations is as safe and efficient as possible.

GardaWorld is your full-service security partner

Severe weather events like hurricanes can pose serious risks to shopping centers and retail properties, but with the right planning and a trusted security partner in place, those risks can be significantly mitigated.

With decades of experience and a proven track record in emergency response, GardaWorld helps ensure that retail leaders can protect their people, preserve their assets, and return to business with confidence. When the next storm approaches, having a partner who is ready before, during, and after makes all the difference.

Explore our retail security solutions to see how GardaWorld can help you stay ready.

Don Massey, M.S.

National Director of Retail Security – U.S.

Don brings a wealth of experience in the retail security space along with a dynamic leadership presence, supporting our teams across the U.S. in elevating standards for our retail clients in manned guarding, safety, service and technology - including AI-driven remote video monitoring solutions through our ECAM division, helping to deliver the force multiplier of man and machine.