Hurricane Milton tested Solaren Risk Management’s emergency response capabilities in October 2024, requiring rapid deployment of personnel and equipment to Florida. Here’s what we learned about disaster security operations and how companies can prepare for future emergency deployments.

Natural disasters create unique security challenges that test every aspect of a company’s operational capabilities. When Hurricane Milton threatened Florida’s Gulf Coast in October 2024, we faced our most demanding emergency deployment yet. Disaster response security requires rapid decision-making, resource coordination, and adaptability under extreme pressure.

My experience transitioning from law enforcement to leading a regional security operation provided valuable background for emergency management, but Hurricane Milton taught us lessons that no training exercise could replicate. The deployment succeeded because we applied systematic approaches to crisis management while remaining flexible enough to adapt to changing conditions.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th and has grown more intense each year due to climate change (https://www.noaa.gov/news/noaa-predicts-above-normal-2024-atlantic-hurricane-season). Security companies must prepare for these realities by developing comprehensive emergency response capabilities.

What Makes Disaster Security Different from Regular Operations?

Disaster response security operates under constraints that don’t exist during normal business conditions. Infrastructure damage, communication disruptions, and evacuation orders create operating environments that standard procedures don’t address.

During Hurricane Milton, we faced multiple challenges simultaneously: coordinating personnel from different locations, transporting equipment across state lines, establishing temporary command operations, and maintaining service quality while working in hazardous conditions.

As Bethany Gill, our Chief of Operations, recalls: “We ended up taking a command center down there and we had multiple vehicles so we could patrol the properties. We had to gather as many people as we could to go down there. But the thing is, we have locations here that we can’t just pull people from because those locations still need security.”

The deployment required skills and resources that regular security contracts don’t demand. Standard hotel or retail security doesn’t prepare officers for working without power, navigating damaged infrastructure, or coordinating with emergency management agencies.

Property protection during disasters focuses on preventing looting and vandalism when normal law enforcement resources are stretched thin or evacuated. Emergency security must deter opportunistic crime while ensuring officer safety in dangerous conditions.

Communication becomes critical when normal systems fail. Cell towers may be damaged, internet service disrupted, and radio systems overloaded. Security teams must maintain coordination despite infrastructure failures that would cripple normal operations.

Resource logistics become complex when supply chains are disrupted and local vendors are closed or evacuated. Emergency deployments require self-sufficient operations with backup plans for equipment, fuel, food, and lodging.

How Do You Mobilize Resources for Emergency Response?

Rapid deployment requires pre-planned systems that can be activated quickly without extensive coordination meetings or approval processes. Time constraints during emergency situations don’t allow for normal decision-making timelines.

Our Hurricane Milton response began with immediate client outreach when forecast models showed the storm threatening our clients’ Florida properties. We contacted affected clients to assess their needs and coordinate our response with their emergency plans.

Personnel mobilization required creative recruitment approaches since we couldn’t pull officers from existing Nashville contracts without compromising service commitments. As Bethany Gill explains: “And so we would try to field those. I was in charge of doing that. Mostly it was sending out forms through social media and email blasts and all that kind of stuff, getting people who are qualified, reviewing their documents, making sure that they were actually legit, and if they were, tell them to meet us here at our headquarters.”

Social media outreach and email campaigns helped us identify qualified personnel willing to participate in emergency deployment. This approach attracted officers who viewed the assignment as professional development opportunity rather than just temporary work.

Credential verification became crucial since we needed to confirm qualifications quickly while maintaining our standards. Officers had to provide documentation, undergo background review, and demonstrate competency before deployment authorization.

Equipment coordination required advance planning for vehicles, communication systems, generators, fuel supplies, and safety equipment. The deployment demanded resources that normal security operations don’t require, including mobile command capabilities and extended-duration supplies.

Transportation logistics involved convoy coordination to Florida with multiple vehicles carrying personnel and equipment. The scale of the operation required careful planning to ensure nothing essential was forgotten while avoiding unnecessary weight and complexity.

What Equipment and Technology Are Essential?

Emergency deployments require self-sufficient operations with backup systems for critical functions. Standard security equipment isn’t adequate for disaster response operations where infrastructure may be damaged or unavailable.

Mobile command centers provide communication coordination, operational planning, and administrative support when fixed facilities are unavailable or compromised. Our command center deployment enabled effective management despite being hundreds of miles from headquarters.

Communication systems must function independently of local infrastructure. Satellite communication, portable repeaters, and backup power systems ensure coordination capability when conventional systems fail.

Vehicle selection becomes critical for navigating damaged roads and debris-filled areas. Four-wheel drive capability, ground clearance, and durability matter more than fuel economy during disaster response operations.

Power generation equipment enables operations when electrical service is disrupted. Generators, battery systems, and fuel supplies support communication, lighting, and essential equipment operation.

Safety equipment protects personnel working in hazardous conditions created by storm damage. Hard hats, steel-toed boots, high-visibility clothing, and first aid supplies become essential rather than optional.

Our advanced technology integration capabilities proved valuable during the deployment, but we learned that robust, simple systems work better than complex technology during emergency conditions.

Documentation systems must function without internet connectivity or cloud-based services. Backup procedures for incident reporting, personnel management, and client communication become essential when normal systems are unavailable.

How Do You Coordinate with Emergency Management Agencies?

Effective disaster response requires coordination with multiple agencies that may have overlapping or conflicting priorities. Private security operations must integrate with official emergency management without interfering with public safety operations.

Local law enforcement maintains primary responsibility for public safety during disasters, but their resources may be overwhelmed or redirected to life-safety priorities. Private security can provide supplemental property protection that allows police to focus on emergency response.

Emergency management agencies coordinate overall disaster response including evacuations, shelter operations, and resource allocation. Security companies must understand these priorities and coordinate accordingly.

FEMA and state emergency management agencies establish protocols and priorities that affect private security operations. Understanding these frameworks helps security companies operate effectively within established emergency management structures.

Communication with emergency agencies requires established protocols and contact procedures. Security companies should develop relationships with key personnel before emergencies occur rather than trying to establish coordination during crisis situations.

Mutual aid agreements between security companies can provide additional resources during large-scale emergencies. Companies that establish cooperative relationships can share personnel and equipment when individual resources are insufficient.

What Challenges Did Hurricane Milton Present?

Hurricane Milton created operational challenges that tested every aspect of our emergency response capabilities. Each challenge required immediate problem-solving using available resources and improvised solutions.

Weather conditions made travel dangerous and limited operational windows for outdoor activities. High winds, heavy rain, and flooding created safety hazards that required constant risk assessment and adaptive planning.

Personnel safety became the primary concern as conditions deteriorated. No property protection mission is worth risking officer lives, so we had to balance client service with crew safety throughout the deployment.

Communication difficulties arose when cell towers were damaged and internet service became unreliable. Our backup communication systems proved essential for maintaining coordination between field teams and command elements.

Supply chain disruptions affected fuel availability, food services, and equipment replacement. Self-sufficiency planning proved critical when normal supply sources were closed or inaccessible.

Accommodation challenges developed when hotels closed or lost power. Personnel needed safe shelter, food, and rest facilities to maintain operational effectiveness over multiple days.

Client coordination became complex when their facilities lost power or communication capability. Maintaining service delivery while adapting to changing client needs required flexibility and creative problem-solving.

As Bethany Gill notes about the overall operation: “They got down there, everything was set up super quick. The deployment was actually pretty smooth, and the client was very happy with our services down there.”

What Personnel Selection Criteria Apply to Disaster Response?

Emergency deployments require personnel with specific qualifications that go beyond standard security skills. Not every qualified security officer is suitable for disaster response operations.

Physical fitness becomes more important during emergency deployments where officers may work longer hours in challenging conditions. Personnel must be capable of sustained operations without normal support systems.

Adaptability and problem-solving skills matter more than rigid procedure following during disaster response. Officers need to make good decisions in situations not covered by standard operating procedures.

Communication skills become critical for coordinating with emergency agencies, clients, and team members under stress. Clear, professional communication prevents misunderstandings that could compromise safety or mission effectiveness.

Stress tolerance affects performance during extended operations in difficult conditions. Officers who remain calm and effective under pressure contribute to mission success while those who don’t may become liabilities.

Technical skills may include equipment operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting capabilities that normal security work doesn’t require. Self-sufficiency becomes important when technical support isn’t readily available.

Professional attitude and reliability become even more critical during emergency operations where team cohesion and mutual dependence are essential for success.

How Do You Maintain Service Quality During Emergencies?

Emergency conditions test every aspect of operational procedures and reveal weaknesses that might not be apparent during normal operations. Maintaining professional standards while adapting to crisis conditions requires systematic approaches and strong leadership.

Standard operating procedures must be flexible enough to accommodate emergency conditions while maintaining essential quality standards. Officers need clear guidance about which procedures are critical and which can be modified based on circumstances.

Supervision becomes more challenging when normal communication and transportation systems are disrupted. Field supervisors must make more independent decisions while maintaining coordination with overall mission objectives.

Quality control measures must account for emergency conditions while ensuring essential standards are maintained. Client service remains important even when operating conditions are far from normal.

Documentation procedures may need modification when normal systems are unavailable, but accurate record-keeping remains essential for liability protection and operational improvement.

Our extensive training programs proved valuable during Hurricane Milton because officers understood fundamental principles that helped them adapt to unusual circumstances.

Performance evaluation during emergency operations provides valuable feedback for improving future deployments. Learning from each emergency response improves preparedness for subsequent disasters.

What Are the Business Implications of Disaster Response?

Emergency response capabilities create competitive advantages while requiring significant upfront investments in personnel, equipment, and procedures. Companies must evaluate the business case for disaster response services carefully.

Client relationships strengthen when security companies demonstrate emergency response capability during actual crises. Successful disaster response builds client confidence and loyalty that extends beyond emergency situations.

Revenue opportunities from disaster response can offset investment costs, but pricing must account for the additional risks and resources that emergency operations require.

Insurance considerations become complex when operations extend beyond normal service areas and operating conditions. Companies need appropriate coverage for emergency response operations.

Personnel costs increase during emergency deployments due to overtime pay, travel expenses, hazard pay, and per diem allowances. Accurate cost accounting helps ensure emergency services remain profitable.

Equipment depreciation accelerates during emergency use due to harsh operating conditions and intensive utilization. Replacement planning must account for emergency wear and tear.

Developing our company from a small startup to a regional operation required careful attention to the business fundamentals that make emergency response capability financially sustainable.

Legal considerations include liability exposure, regulatory compliance across state lines, and contractual obligations during emergency conditions. Proper legal preparation protects companies from unexpected exposures during disaster response.

How Can Companies Develop Emergency Response Capabilities?

Emergency response capability requires systematic development rather than ad hoc responses to individual disasters. Companies must invest in planning, equipment, training, and procedures before emergencies occur.

Emergency response plans should address personnel mobilization, equipment deployment, communication procedures, and coordination with clients and emergency agencies. Plans must be tested and updated regularly to remain effective.

Training programs must include emergency-specific skills beyond normal security competencies. Officers need preparation for working in hazardous conditions, using emergency equipment, and adapting to crisis situations.

Equipment procurement should focus on reliability and self-sufficiency rather than cost minimization. Emergency equipment must function when normal support systems are unavailable.

Partnership development with other security companies, equipment vendors, and emergency services creates resource networks that enhance response capability. No single company can maintain all resources needed for major disaster response.

Financial preparation includes emergency funding sources, insurance coverage, and cost accounting procedures that support rapid deployment decisions. Companies need financial flexibility to mobilize resources quickly.

Personnel development should identify and train officers interested in emergency response work. Not all security officers are suitable for disaster response, so companies need to build specialized teams.

What Lessons Apply to Future Disasters?

Hurricane Milton taught us lessons that will improve our response to future emergencies. Each disaster provides learning opportunities that enhance preparedness for subsequent events.

Advance preparation prevents most operational problems during emergency deployments. Time invested in planning, training, and equipment preparation pays dividends during actual emergencies.

Communication redundancy is essential when primary systems fail. Multiple backup communication methods ensure coordination capability regardless of infrastructure damage.

Personnel selection criteria should emphasize adaptability and problem-solving ability over rigid adherence to standard procedures. Emergency conditions require officers who can think independently and make good decisions under pressure.

Equipment simplicity often works better than complexity during emergency operations. Robust, proven systems function more reliably than sophisticated technology when operating conditions are challenging.

Client coordination must begin early and continue throughout the emergency response. Regular communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures service delivery meets changing needs.

My professional background and experience in law enforcement provided valuable preparation for emergency management, but private sector disaster response requires different skills and approaches than law enforcement operations.

The security industry must develop enhanced disaster response capabilities as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of natural disasters. Companies that invest in emergency preparedness will create competitive advantages while serving clients more effectively during their most challenging times.

Hurricane Milton demonstrated that disaster response security requires specialized capabilities, dedicated resources, and systematic preparation. Companies that develop these capabilities will be better positioned to serve clients and grow their businesses in an era of increasing natural disasters.