As hurricane season peaks in Southwest Florida—from Fort Myers and Bonita Springs to Naples and Estero—property owners must take more than just weather warnings into account. Alongside storm-proofing your buildings, it’s critical to assess your security measures before, during, and after a major storm. Natural disasters often create unexpected vulnerabilities that can lead to property loss, trespassing, and other criminal activity.
This guide covers essential hurricane season preparation tips with a special focus on securing your residential or commercial property. At DPS Guards, we help communities and businesses throughout SWFL stay protected during the most unpredictable times of the year.
Understand the Dual Threat: Weather + Security
When a hurricane hits, the primary concerns are obvious—flooding, power loss, and wind damage. But in the aftermath, another issue arises: a lapse in security. Unmonitored access points, dark areas, and reduced police presence can make your property an easy target for opportunistic individuals.
- Residential communities risk break-ins during evacuations.
- Commercial buildings may experience theft due to power outages and unlocked entrances.
- Non-profits and places of worship are especially vulnerable when understaffed or closed.
Pre-Storm Preparation: Steps to Take Before the Hurricane Hits
- Review emergency protocols: Ensure staff, tenants, or residents know evacuation procedures and who to contact for security concerns.
- Reinforce access control: Lock all gates, secondary entrances, and storage rooms. Disable remote entry systems if necessary.
- Secure exterior assets: Move outdoor furniture, signage, and equipment inside. These items can be both damaged and used as tools for forced entry.
- Back up surveillance systems: Use battery backups or cloud-based systems to retain footage even if power is lost.
- Hire temporary security patrols: Work with a provider like DPS Guards to maintain 24/7 coverage in vulnerable zones, especially if your facility will be unoccupied.
During the Storm: Maintain Visibility and Control
While most facilities will shut down during a Category 1–5 storm, security planning doesn’t stop. Real-time monitoring is key:
- Use mobile-enabled surveillance: Access live feeds and alerts remotely if power and internet remain available.
- Coordinate with a local security team: If conditions allow, deploy mobile patrols or gatehouse guards for visibility and rapid response.
- Stay connected with emergency services: Ensure your team has up-to-date contact info for local EMS and police in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or your area.
Post-Storm Protocol: Protecting What’s Left
After the storm passes, the risk of looting and vandalism can increase. Storm damage often exposes entry points—broken doors, disabled alarms, and power outages make properties attractive to trespassers.
- Deploy on-site unarmed guards: A visible security presence helps deter opportunistic crime and reassures residents or business owners returning to assess damage.
- Document damage quickly: Guards trained by DPS provide detailed incident logs, which help with insurance claims and local law enforcement if needed.
- Provide access control for contractors: If repairs are underway, make sure only authorized personnel can enter the site by verifying credentials at gates or entry points.
Partnering with DPS Guards for Hurricane Security
At DPS Guards, we offer proactive unarmed security services tailored to the unique challenges of hurricane season. Our licensed, trained, and professional unarmed security officers are prepared to assist with:
- Gatehouse security services and coverage for gated communities in SWFL
- Mobile patrols for commercial properties
- Emergency response protocols and incident reporting
- Post-storm access control and damage monitoring
We proudly serve clients across Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Naples, and surrounding communities with seasonal readiness in mind. From temporary hurricane patrols to long-term security partnerships, our mission is to protect your people, property, and peace of mind.
Is Your Property Hurricane-Ready?
Don’t wait until the next storm watch to review your security plan. If you’re in Southwest Florida, now is the time to talk to a team that knows both the climate and the risks. Contact DPS Guards today for a consultation on hurricane season security services tailored to your property.