News Poll: How do security companies prepare for natural disasters?

YARMOUTH, Maine—In August and September large weather events—Hurricanes Harvey and Irma—made landfall in the United States; Security Systems News asked its readers how they prepare ahead of natural disasters, and what can be done for those affected.

AvantGuard, a wholesale monitoring center headquartered in Utah, sends messaging out to its dealers ahead of a weather event, describing how the center will handle the upcoming storm, AvantGuard's marketing director Sonja Jorgensen wrote in. “We have successfully used this method on a consistent basis and are always looking for ways to more efficiently and compassionately come to the aid of subscribers,” she said.

Sixty-three percent of poll respondents said they had customers impacted by recent storms—19 percent of which said it affected “Only a few” of their subscribers. Thirty-eight percent said that there customer base was not affected.

When it comes to preparation for events like hurricanes, 33 percent of respondents said that their company contacts potentially affected customers. Fifty-three percent said they increase staffing to deal with more alarm traffic. Thirteen percent said they provide their customers with safety and preparedness tips.

Most respondents—56 percent—said that a coordinated industry effort would be the best way to help those impacted by weather events. Direct support and volunteering from the industry would help the most, according to 44 percent. Given the option, zero respondents pointed to raising awareness and fundraising as the most beneficial channel for helping those that need it.