GardaWorld Security checklist for protecting oil & gas operations from climate disruptions

Extreme weather events—hurricanes, floods, and wildfires—have always posed an existential threat to the oil & gas industry. However, in recent years, climate disruptions have been hitting the sector harder and more frequently.

Severe weather events have already forced major U.S. utilities to shut down or slow power plant operations. Three major storms, including 2024’s Hurricane Helene, caused Duke Energy, the largest utility serving North and South Carolina, to file $1.1 billion (USD) in direct costs associated with the company’s emergency activation.  

While physical damage to infrastructure is a major concern from a purely financial standpoint, these incidents also give rise to critical security vulnerabilities. For instance, unsecured facilities can lead to unauthorized access, theft, operational downtime, and compliance risks.

As industry leaders navigate these threats, three key stakeholder roles play a vital part in ensuring security:

• Procurement Managers must balance cost efficiency with risk mitigation.
• Facility Managers must focus on access control and incident response.
• Safety & Security Managers must prioritize compliance and emergency preparedness.

Today’s checklist provides a structured, actionable approach for each of these roles to fortifying security before, during, and after extreme weather events.

Pre-Event: Strengthening Security & Risk Preparedness

Preparing for climate-related disruptions starts well before the forecast. Proactive planning can significantly reduce both physical and operational vulnerabilities—especially when security strategies are tailored to the unique roles within your organization. Here's how each stakeholder can lay the groundwork for resilience before extreme weather strikes.

Procurement Managers: Cost-efficient security measures with high-performing guards

• Evaluate AI-powered security solutions for cost-effective risk mitigation.
• Choose a security provider with a high retention rate—continuity matters in crisis response.
• Ensure 24/7 monitoring & incident response with skilled, engaged security personnel.
• Verify that the security team is a member of safety compliance programs such as Browz, AVETTA, and ISNetworld.
• Partner with a provider that integrates physical security, technology-driven surveillance, and real-time intelligence to enhance situational awareness and risk mitigation.

Facility Managers: Operational resilience & access control

• Install storm-rated fencing & AI-driven intrusion detection for perimeter security.
• Secure storage tanks, pipelines, and IT networks from water damage & unauthorized access.
• Ensure rapid-response security teams are on standby before storms hit.
• Conduct drills to test facility lockdown & emergency evacuation protocols.
• Work with a security provider that emphasizes employee satisfaction and engagement, leading to guards who react faster and adapt better to emergency situations.
• Leverage a holistic security strategy that combines human expertise with real-time threat monitoring to prevent disruptions.

Safety & Security Managers: Emergency readiness & compliance

• Establish an incident response framework for climate-related security threats.
• Implement AI-powered surveillance & real-time monitoring to detect security risks.
• Train teams on regulatory compliance & emergency response coordination.
• Address employee turnover & irregular schedules—a common industry challenge GardaWorld solves by investing in its workforce.
• Utilize integrated security intelligence to anticipate threats and coordinate proactive measures effectively.

During the event: Maintaining security and situational awareness

When extreme weather hits, staying operational means staying alert. Real-time decision-making, clear communication, and adaptive security measures are critical to protect people, assets, and infrastructure. Here's how each stakeholder can help maintain control and continuity amid the chaos.  

Procurement Managers: Ensuring uninterrupted security coverage

• Activate emergency security contracts if additional personnel are needed.
• Monitor real-time data to ensure supply chain continuity.
• Maintain communication with vendors to adapt procurement strategies in real time.
• Ensure security personnel are backed by technology-driven risk intelligence to respond dynamically to evolving threats.

Facility Managers: Real-time monitoring and protection

• Use AI-enhanced remote monitoring to assess damage & security risks.
• Ensure secure entry for essential personnel while restricting unauthorized access.
• Deploy mobile security teams & drones for rapid situational awareness.
• Integrate live threat intelligence feeds to support real-time decision-making and incident response.

Safety & Security Managers: Threat prevention and compliance

• Mitigate physical & external threats, including looting or cyberattacks.
• Coordinate with law enforcement & emergency response teams.
• Ensure compliance with industry safety & environmental regulations during response efforts.
• Utilize a cohesive security approach that combines on-the-ground expertise with AI-driven insights for proactive risk mitigation.

Post-Event: Recovery and long-term security enhancements

The work doesn’t end once the immediate crisis has passed. Post-event recovery is a critical opportunity to evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and how to build stronger, more resilient operations moving forward. Each stakeholder plays a key role in turning lessons learned into lasting security improvements.

Procurement Managers: Evaluating security performance and investments

• Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of security investments post-crisis.
• Identify opportunities to optimize future emergency contracts.
• Ensure long-term security provider meets compliance & regulatory standards.
• Choose a provider with seamless integration of technology, personnel, and intelligence solutions to prevent future risks.

Facility Managers: Infrastructure reinforcement and risk mitigation

• Conduct post-event security audits to identify vulnerabilities.
• Upgrade physical security infrastructure to prevent future disruptions.
• Implement proactive maintenance plans for at-risk assets.
• Utilize predictive analytics to anticipate potential vulnerabilities and strengthen facility protection.

Safety & Security Managers: Adapting security strategies for future threats

• Perform post-incident reviews to refine emergency response plans.
• Strengthen access control, surveillance, and staff training.
• Collaborate with industry partners & regulators to enhance security policies.
• Leverage comprehensive security solutions that integrate manned guarding, crisis intelligence, and advanced surveillance for an adaptable security framework.

The GardaWorld Security perspective: Proactive security in a changing climate

Climate disruptions may be unavoidable—but security vulnerabilities don’t have to be.

By aligning procurement, facility management, and security priorities with a security provider that values its people and offers a fully integrated security solution, oil & gas companies can minimize risks while ensuring compliance and maintaining business continuity.

Our Great Place to Work®-certified culture and integrated approach to security ensure that our guards are more experienced, better trained, and more motivated to protect your critical infrastructure when it matters most.

But here at GardaWorld Security, we don’t just deploy security personnel. We provide a comprehensive security solution that integrates manned guarding, advanced security technology, and real-time crisis intelligence. This layered approach streamlines provider management and ensures clear accountability, allowing clients to focus on operational resilience without the complexity of coordinating multiple vendors.

Are your operations climate-resilient? Let’s discuss how to secure your future today.