Off-grid solar security systems help law enforcement and security teams maintain safety and prevent crime in the aftermath of natural disasters.
When a natural disaster strikes, time is of the essence. And while increasingly desperate residents wait for help—from first responders, utility company crews, and business owners—thieves capitalize on crimes of opportunity. Without access to power, water, and other daily necessities, it’s an unfortunate reality that in bad weather’s wake, natural disasters leave people exposed and provide cover for bad actors.
Criminals watch in the shadows (or torrential deluge) as local police departments must prioritize rescue and recovery efforts in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster.
After Hurricane Beryl hit southern Texas, the Category 1 storm flooded hundreds of homes and knocked out power, leaving more than 2 million residents in the dark—and the intense muggy heat. In the immediate aftermath, government leaders and law enforcement officials of the nation’s fourth-largest city battled the ensuing chaos and tried to help the most vulnerable. Bad actors seized on the challenging situation and broke into houses that withstood the initial impact.
“It’s pitch black out here,” Linda Anselmo told ABC-13 shortly after the hurricane barreled through town. “They know the alarms aren’t working. And most of the people are gone because the houses are 85 degrees.”
Florida officials know the scenario all too well, as they have arrested opportunists across the state who strike after intense weather, including in Panama City after Hurricane Michael and in Horseshoe Beach after Hurricane Idalia.
As the ranks of law enforcement are often stretched thin during a crisis, criminals can get to work. From looters casing dark retail stores and evacuees’ homes to thieves stealing emergency equipment and construction materials necessary for recovery efforts, national disaster management and security leaders need to prepare for the worst in human nature.
In Grants Pass, Oregon, thieves broke into U.S. Forest Service trucks while firefighters were sleeping for the first time in days. According to police reports, they stole equipment crucial to battle the raging wildfire, including Hotshot backpacks, emergency fire shelters, headlamps, compasses, firing sticks, signal mirrors, first aid kits, water bottles, and two chainsaws.
For Maui, Hawaii, residents who grappled with the devastating 2023 wildfire that swept the island, their problems were compounded by the slow rollout of humanitarian supplies. Desperation led some to break the law by addressing the issue themselves, robbing and looting their neighbors at gunpoint.
When the cleanup efforts ramp up, there’s an uptick in construction site theft. As the Federal Emergency Management Agency approves building contracts, insurance companies cut checks, and construction crews head into disaster zones to start the long road to recovery. These actions put bad actors on notice and, in some cases, take orders for everything from heavy equipment to construction materials.
Ryan Shepherd, director general and general manager of crime analytics and supply chain solutions at Verisk told International Construction that he’s seen organized retail crime groups create a “machine shopping list” and even complete the necessary export paperwork in advance.
“The equipment may not be as cool as some of the cars that are stolen in the movie ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’, but the concept is the same,” Shepherd said. “A group of people from somewhere around the world will say, ‘We need these 20 pieces of equipment,’ and a crew will come to the United States to find all 20 or so in one combined area that they can scoop up.”
Selling copper wire and copper tubing from new home construction is becoming a more common side hustle for thieves. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that nearly $1 billion of copper wire is stolen every year, with a 20% surge in copper prices in 2024 alone. As demand continues to increase, this humble transition metal can be as precious as gold for many enterprising thieves.
Natural disaster management and security leaders know it's imperative to establish safe perimeters in the hours, days, and weeks after an emergency so responders can maintain their surveillance and security protocols when primary systems are disrupted.
LVT Units, LiveView Technologies’ mobile security cameras, are built to weather the toughest conditions. Municipal governments and private businesses deploy them to secure their properties before, during, and well after natural disasters because remote surveillance LVT Units:
LVT Units secure sites in dire emergency situations. Agencies and companies use them to:
1. Security and Surveillance
Visibility and security are key concerns when disaster strikes. The LVT Unit's tough design, off-the-grid solar capabilities, and remote accessibility make it ideally suited to protect sites during natural disasters.
2. The Power of Mobility
LVT's mobile video camera surveillance units offer a distinct advantage over traditional, fixed security systems because they can be mobilized and positioned strategically at a moment’s notice. This dynamic security approach deters potential criminals because it’s impossible to predict the surveillance patterns and locations of the units.
3. Advanced Monitoring Capabilities
LVT's mobile surveillance units are equipped with advanced monitoring technologies that provide real-time surveillance and intelligent alert systems. High-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, and night vision capabilities ensure that every corner is covered, regardless of lighting conditions.
4. Remote Accessibility and Control
One of the key advantages of LVT's mobile surveillance units is the ability to remotely access and control the system. With an intuitive user interface, authorized personnel can monitor live feeds, review recorded footage, and manage alarms from any device with an internet connection. This accessibility not only ensures immediate response to potential threats but also enables proactive decision-making and resource allocation.
5. Versatility and Scalability
LVT's mobile surveillance units are designed to accommodate diverse security requirements. Whether monitoring large, open areas, construction sites, or remote locations, the units can be customized to address specific needs and conditions. Users can scale the system by adding or relocating units, providing flexibility to adapt to evolving security challenges.
6. Cost-effective Solution
Instead of investing in multiple fixed cameras and the associated infrastructure, leveraging fewer, yet more powerful, strategically placed mobile units reduces upfront costs, long-term maintenance expenses, and resource allocation.
LiveView Technologies’ enterprise mobile security camera systems play a vital role in securing sites after a natural disaster, from flooding in Utah to the islands and people that Hawaiian Electric serves.
Ready to learn why our customers trust LVT to protect critical infrastructure and businesses in the event of an emergency? Contact our team today for a demo.
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