NCJ Number
140222
Journal
Security Management Volume: 36 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1992) Pages: 76-81
Date Published
1992
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes security procedures used by a banking system, a commuter rail system, a newspaper, a power utility, and a private security company in the wake of Hurricane Andrew in Florida (August 1992).
Abstract
In the case of damaged banking facilities (vaults and safe- deposit boxes survived intact), contract security officers were brought in from Jacksonville and Atlanta to provide around-the- clock protection for the damaged branches. Local officers were difficult to obtain for a number of reasons. Within a few days generators were brought in for lighting and to keep ATM's operational. Recovery and assessment teams that included security, auditing, bank, and real estate personnel visited each of the bank's nine branches. They recorded damage with a video camera for insurance purposes. The teams then removed, as necessary, cash, consignment items, teller records, and night deposits and brought them to the operations center by armored car. The Tri-County Commuter Rail Authority determined there was a risk for damage to equipment in Hialeah, Fla., and so locomotives, coach cars, and other equipment were stored outside the projected path of the hurricane. Approximately 4 days passed before rail service was restored after the hurricane. The Miami Herald had an emergency plan that included testing the generators, stocking the cafeteria with enough food and drinking water for 3 days, securing air ducts, and generally preparing the building. The emergency plan included arrangements for security officers, workers, and their families to sleep overnight on sofas in the building if necessary. The power utility company and the security firm both used innovative methods and exhausting work schedules to ensure that security was maintained.