August is often one of the hottest months of the year, especially across much of the United States where temperatures can regularly soar above 90°F and sometimes even reach triple digits.
For organizations that rely on security personnel, extreme heat isn’t just a weather challenge—it’s a performance and risk management issue. Officers working in outdoor or minimally climate-controlled environments face serious health risks that, if unaddressed, can lead to slower response times, increased absenteeism, and service disruptions.
Heat-related illnesses are real, preventable threats that can compromise the well-being and effectiveness of a security team. Security professionals are trained to protect others, but in extreme heat conditions, they must also take proactive measures to protect themselves.
At GardaWorld Security – U.S., we believe that officer care directly impacts service delivery. When our teams are supported and protected, they perform better—and that’s a win for every client. This blog shares a behind-the-scenes look at how we prepare officers for extreme heat to ensure consistent, high-quality protection for your people, property, and operations.
Understanding the risk: why August matters
August is historically the peak of summer heat, with prolonged high temperatures, intense UV rays, and humid conditions. The combination of heat and humidity can lead to dangerous heat index levels. Security officers often patrol outdoor shopping centers, parking lots, construction sites, or gatehouses with limited access to air conditioning, placing them at high risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration.
Moreover, the nature of the security profession demands constant vigilance. Heat stress not only affects physical health but also impairs mental clarity, decision-making, and response time. Being proactive about heat preparedness is not only a matter of personal safety—it is mission critical.
Recognizing the signs of heat-related illness
Before discussing preventative strategies, it's vital to understand the warning signs of heat-related illnesses. Officers should be trained to recognize these symptoms in themselves and in others:
1. Heat exhaustion
Heavy sweating
Weakness or fatigue
Dizziness or fainting
Muscle cramps
Nausea or vomiting
Cool, pale, or clammy skin
Fast, weak pulse
2. Heat stroke (medical emergency)
High body temperature (above 103°F)
Hot, red, dry, or moist skin
Rapid and strong pulse
Confusion or altered mental state
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention. If suspected, officers should call 911, move the person to a cooler area, and attempt to cool them with wet cloths or fanning while waiting for help.
Hydration: the first line of defense
Hydration cannot be overstated. Security officers should be encouraged—and expected—to drink water consistently throughout their shift, not just when they feel thirsty. A few best practices include:
Drink 16–20 oz. of water 30 minutes before going outside.
Continue to drink 5–7 oz. every 20 minutes while on duty.
Avoid caffeinated or sugary beverages, which can contribute to dehydration.
Keep electrolyte drinks (such as Gatorade or Pedialyte) on hand for particularly hot days or extended outdoor posts.
Supervisors should consider building hydration breaks into shift rotations and ensure water is readily available near all post locations.
Uniform adjustments and personal gear
Uniforms project professionalism, but during peak heat, flexibility is key to ensuring officers remain safe. Agencies should:
Provide lightweight, breathable fabrics designed for hot-weather use.
Issue hats for sun protection during outdoor patrols.
Consider UV-protective sunglasses and cooling neck wraps as optional gear.
Encourage use of sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on all exposed skin.
Allow for undershirts or base layers that wick sweat away from the skin.
Reviewing uniform policies with heat in mind—and making reasonable accommodations—is a smart, proactive move.
Operational adjustments for high-heat days
When the forecast calls for extreme heat, security leadership should adjust operations in several ways:
Rotate posts frequently
For officers working outdoor assignments or posts without climate control, rotations should be shortened to allow for more frequent cooling and hydration breaks.Adjust shift times if possible
Shifting schedules to avoid peak heat hours (usually between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.) can reduce risk. Morning and evening shifts may be safer and more productive during extreme weather.Provide cooling stations or relief zones
Create designated break areas with fans, shade, and cold water. If your property lacks shaded outdoor space, consider temporary canopies or tents with misting systems.Encourage the buddy system
Assign officers to work in pairs whenever possible, especially in remote or high-heat locations. This ensures someone is always nearby to recognize signs of heat stress and call for help if needed.
Training and awareness
Every officer should receive annual training on heat preparedness, ideally before the hottest months begin. This training should cover:
How to identify and respond to heat-related illnesses
Hydration and nutrition best practices
Proper use of personal protection equipment and uniform modifications for heat
Emergency protocols for high-heat scenarios
The importance of self-monitoring and looking out for coworkers
Supervisors and field managers should take the lead in modeling good heat safety behavior and reinforcing expectations.
Promoting a culture of safety and support
One of the most effective ways to protect officers in August heat is to create a work culture that prioritizes health, wellness, and open communication. Officers should feel empowered to speak up if they’re feeling overheated, fatigued, or unwell—without fear of being seen as weak or unprofessional.
At GardaWorld Security – U.S., that culture isn’t just talk—it’s recognized. We are proud to be the only guarding security company in the country to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work®. This recognition, earned through real employee feedback, highlights how seriously we take the everyday experience of our officers—because when they feel supported, heard, and valued, they’re better equipped to show up strong for themselves, their teams, and the communities they protect.
During peak summer heat, that culture translates into real, on-the-ground practices like these:
Daily pre-shift heat briefings during the hottest weeks
Use of text alerts or mobile apps to share heat index warnings or hydration reminders
Anonymous wellness reporting if someone is concerned about a coworker’s condition
Visible leadership participation in hydration breaks and cooling rotations
When leaders take hydration breaks and talk openly about safety, it sends a clear message: staying healthy on the job is part of doing the job well.
The bottom line: preparedness protects people and property
Security officers are on the front lines of protecting property, personnel, and the public. But to perform at their best, especially during August’s brutal heat, they must first protect themselves. Heat preparedness isn’t optional—it’s a core part of operational readiness.
By taking practical steps to educate officers, equip them with the right gear, and make thoughtful schedule and policy adjustments, security teams can thrive even in the most challenging summer conditions.
Whether your team is patrolling an outdoor mall, managing access control at a gatehouse, or overseeing special events in the summer sun, you need a security partner that’s prepared to perform even when the heat is at its worst.
At GardaWorld, we invest in officer preparedness because consistent, high-performing security starts with a team that’s ready for anything. Contact us to see how we can support your site this summer and beyond.
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.
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