When You Can’t Predict, Prepare: The Value of Disaster and Emergency Response

In an increasingly volatile world, the most impactful threats to organizations are often the least predictable. Hurricanes, wildfires, civil unrest, and sudden workplace violence can disrupt operations, endanger lives, and damage reputations in minutes.

Recently, we have witnessed catastrophic flooding displace thousands and quickly cut off critical infrastructure, leaving communities isolated and businesses scrambling to protect assets and support employees. Civil unrest in numerous cities has escalated from protests to property damage and business shutdowns. Workplace violence continues to pose serious threats for organizations of every size, with termination-related incidents, aggressive confrontations, and active shooter events underscoring that risk may strike from within, without warning. In each of these scenarios, the speed and scope of disruption left little time for reaction — highlighting the need for rapid, coordinated response systems.

Disaster and Emergency Response services provide that critical safety net and force multiplier — a scalable model that engages specialized personnel quickly, blending active law enforcement capabilities with strategic crisis management. Through established relationships, rapid deployment protocols, and the ability to mobilize self-sustaining officers into challenging environments, organizations can respond effectively before, during, and after high-impact events.

A Three-Phase Approach to Critical Response

Effective Disaster and Emergency Response is not a single action — it is a coordinated sequence designed to address each stage of an incident:

• Pre-Event Stabilization – Before a storm, strike, or disturbance, highly trained officers can be deployed to help maintain order, protect high-demand resources, and deter unsafe behavior.
• During the Event – Positioned in secure locations near the affected area, officers remain ready to assist with the protection assets, implementation of safety protocols and response to emergent risks while minimizing exposure to danger.
• Post-Event Recovery – Once immediate threats have passed, response teams help deter looting, secure damaged facilities, conduct welfare checks, and assist with re-opening operations safely.
   

Specialized Personnel for High-Pressure Environments

Disaster and emergency scenarios require unique skills. The officers deployed are always active law enforcement and often carry prior military experience — accustomed to operating in austere conditions and making rapid decisions under pressure. They arrive self-sustained with the tools, equipment, and mobility to operate independently for extended periods, enabling them to function even when local infrastructure is compromised.
 

Integrated Capabilities for Complex Incidents

High-consequence threat events often demand more than one layer of protection. Disaster and Emergency Response can align with other specialized resources — including intelligence analysis, social media monitoring, investigations, and canine teams — to create a layered, adaptive solution. For example, skilled analysts can monitor open sources, social media, and the deep web for early indicators of risk, such as planned protests, political unrest, or threatening online chatter from disgruntled employees. This intelligence allows security leaders to position resources where they will be most effective.

In parallel, canine teams can be deployed to high-risk areas during disasters or civil unrest to provide visible deterrence, detect potential threats, and help maintain order alongside active law enforcement officers. Together, these integrated capabilities elevate response efforts and reduce the risk of operational gaps.

The Business Case for Readiness 

Preparing for the unpredictable is an investment in continuity, stability, and safety. A well-designed response plan — supported by a partner with proven and integrated service capability — can help minimize downtime, protect personnel and assets, and maintain public confidence. As the pace and complexity of risks accelerate, readiness is not a cost center. It is a strategic advantage.
 

Learn More about Allied Universal’s Disaster and Emergency Response

About Cindy Blevins

As Vice President of Disaster and Emergency Response Services, Cindy Blevins leads operations for permanent Off-Duty services as well as temporary emergency and disaster deployments within Enhanced Protection Services. She is responsible for ensuring seamless client engagement, operational readiness, and service delivery that meets the unique demands of high-consequence environments.

Blevins has more than 25 years of experience in client relationship management, operational leadership, and compliance oversight. She joined the security industry in 2006 with Point 2 Point Global Security, ultimately serving as Vice President of Operations. In that role, she managed partnerships with national clients and directed a network of more than 8,000 law enforcement officers in the Special Operations division. Her career includes extensive experience mobilizing large-scale deployments for disaster response, emergency situations, and high-profile events.