Physical security after a disaster
Published:Thursday | January 22, 2026 | 12:07 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
The immediate concern after a disaster is rescue operations and humanitarian aid. However, physical security which mandates the protection of assets, tangible and intangible, are most times overlooked. Disasters often leave buildings damaged, fences destroyed, lighting disabled, communication blackout, and surveillance systems offline. These conditions create opportunities for nefarious activities, such as looting; vandalism; theft of proprietary information; and unauthorised access, particularly at commercial sites, warehouses, and critical infrastructure facilities. The post-disaster period can be just as dangerous as the disaster itself if security controls are not swiftly put in place.
Security systems will be compromised during a disaster such as Hurricane Melissa, doors may malfunction, alarms disabled, power destroyed, and lack of connectivity between systems will negatively impact electronic access. Temporary security measures is essential to secure damaged facilities and to assist in business continuity. This includes restricting access to facility, cordon off unsafe areas, accounting for personnel, and accounting and securing hazardous materials that may have become exposed, especially products that are of dual use. Erect temporary fencing where vulnerability exits, use mobile lighting towers to monitor perimeter fence and high-value areas, and security patrols to deter criminal activity.
PRIORITISED TREATMENT
Government facilities face heightened risks, some more than others because of their nature of operation. Their damage often disrupt essential services, making them attractive targets for theft or sabotage. Facilities should factor physical security assessments in their emergency response plans, so that breaches to the physical protection systems can be identified in order to apply prioritised treatment to protect assets. Physical security is the platform for all security systems.
Following recovery, the aim should be to restore the physical security systems to normality or upgrade to more robust measures of protection. Security systems should be repaired/replaced with urgency, badges audited, and lessons learnt should be annexed in security plans. Facilities with well-developed physical protection systems and trained staff recover faster.
Let us not forget security guards, who may be required to work in conditions that are not hospitable and safe. Security guard firms should ensure that their guards are given the necessary personal protective equipment for the disaster environment.
Disasters test organisational leadership. Organisations and private enterprises that integrate physical security into their disaster plan are better positioned to protect lives, and assets.
CARLOS PIPHER, CPP, PCI, PSP
ASIS JAMAICA CHAPTER