Preventing Energy Sector Looting after Extreme Weather Events

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report from 2021, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense because of rising greenhouse gas levels. In particular, the intensity, frequency, and duration of North Atlantic hurricanes and the frequency of the strongest hurricanes (Category 4 and 5) have all increased since the early 1980s, as noted in the U.S. National Climate Assessment. 

Extreme weather poses a serious threat to the energy, oil, and gas sector as adverse conditions leave sites vulnerable to intruders, increasing the potential for looting and vandalism. Without intervention, this can easily result in significant financial losses and other forms of disruption.  

Severe weather is costing the economy billions—and creating new security challenges for the energy sector

As hurricanes and tropical storms devastated the country in 2024, they caused nearly $500 billion in economic losses, according to an analysis by AccuWeather. Experts estimate the total damage and economic loss from Hurricane Helene is between $225 billion and $250 billion, while Hurricane Milton, which tore through Florida last October, caused between $160 billion and $180 billion in losses.

Beyond the immediate financial toll, these extreme weather events are also exposing vulnerabilities in the energy sector’s physical security. Power plants, refineries, and other critical infrastructure are at risk not only from storm damage but also from operational disruptions, looting, and even coordinated attacks during periods of instability.

Severe weather events have already forced major U.S. utilities to shut down or slow power plant operations. Three major storms, including Hurricane Helene, caused Duke Energy, the largest utility serving North and South Carolina, to file $1.1 billion in direct costs associated with the company’s emergency activation. But emergency response doesn’t just involve repairs—it also requires securing sites from unauthorized access, protecting personnel during evacuations, and maintaining operational continuity in the face of chaos.

As climate-driven disasters grow in frequency and intensity, energy companies must rethink their approach to physical security. From reinforced security perimeters and access control systems to trained security personnel who can respond to crises, investing in proactive security measures is becoming just as critical as investing in infrastructure resilience. 

In detail: how extreme weather impacts the energy sector 

• Infrastructure damage: High winds, storm surges, and flooding can cause widespread damage to energy sites, impacting everything from substations to transmission lines. This can lead to water damage, voltage surges, power outages and damage from flying debris, causing your site to become difficult to secure and open to vulnerabilities. The damage caused by Hurricane Ida in 2021 forced at least nine refineries to either shut down or reduce production, severely impacting the production of crude oil. 

• Looting and vandalism: When a major storm hits and sites are evacuated for safety precautions, critical infrastructure and equipment is left unguarded, while physical damage caused by high winds, flooding and power outages can seriously damage security systems. This deadly combination makes your site vulnerable to theft and vandalism, as valuable tools and equipment, such as copper wiring and generators, are prime targets for looting. 

• Cybersecurity breaches: Widespread power outages and disruptions leave your systems open to cyberattacks, as decreased monitoring, distracted personnel and physical infrastructure damage create a compounded effect—exacerbating the risk of cyber strikes. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) says it’s extremely common for bad actors to take advantage of natural disasters to execute cyberattacks in critical industry sectors. According to IBM Security, the energy and utilities sector sees 11% of total cyberattacks, while Halliburton, the world’s second-largest oilfield company, lost $35 million in 2024 due to a cyberattack. 

• Staffing issues: Extreme weather often forces the evacuation of security staff, causing your site to become more vulnerable to safety issues, including looting and vandalism. It’s common for operations to cease production, leading to financial losses and potential supply chain issues. Hurricane Helene caused 17% (313 million cubic feet per day) of natural gas production to be shut down due to power outages and infrastructure damage. 

A multi-layered security approach is the only solution

All told, the energy, oil, and gas sector is highly vulnerable to major weather events, making it essential to safeguard critical infrastructure with the right mix of security solutions. A multi-layered approach—combining manned guards, advanced technology, and intelligence—offers the best protection for a business’s assets. 

Highly trained guards are indispensable

Security excellence starts with the right people who have the expertise and are prepared to take the necessary actions to protect critical infrastructure. Security guards should receive pre-placement screening, safety training, ISOP training, defensive driver training, regulatory monthly training and customer service training, while ensuring compliance with all licensing, training and site requirements. 

It’s also imperative that guards receive site-specific training that simulates real-life scenarios, preparing them to manage emergencies effectively. Being armed with comprehensive protection strategies, robust emergency response plans, and understanding cultural contexts is critical for on-the-job readiness. 

One notably effective solution for deterring on-site threats is maintaining a visible security presence. Skilled security professionals act as a deterrent to potential looters and vandals, reducing the likelihood of incidents and the need for intervention. With real-time monitoring, rapid response teams can swiftly intervene when disaster strikes. 

AI-powered surveillance detects threats in real time

Cutting-edge AI technology combined with a human presence instantly elevates your site’s overall protection. A technologically advanced surveillance system allows for constant monitoring, recognizing and triggering alerts for a wide range of issues, from movement detection to leaks. AI-powered surveillance can also detect subtle anomalies, distinguishing between a harmless object, animals or unauthorized persons or vehicles.   

AI-powered cameras become even more effective when paired with trained guards. Advanced technology can quickly detect threats, enabling guards to respond promptly and from a more informed perspective. For securing large sites, combining AI-powered cameras with personnel enhances perimeter coverage and visibility, delivering significantly greater effectiveness than using either on its own. 

Sophisticated intelligence keeps your business prepared

In today’s climate, businesses must be prepared for emergencies. With severe weather and storms expected to increase, implementing emergency preparedness security programs is crucial, ensuring that you and your team know the necessary steps and how to respond when disaster strikes.  Access to real-time intelligence enables organizations to anticipate threats, adjust security measures proactively, and mitigate risks before they escalate. 

Choosing the right security partner makes the difference

Hurricanes and tropical storms present a serious threat to critical energy assets, which is why investing in the right partner with proven experience, and equipped with the latest in technology and intel, is essential to protecting your business. 

At GardaWorld Security, we take a multi-layered approach to security, prioritizing proper employee training and investing in our personnel. We also utilize state-of-the-art technology and leverage reputable intelligence to reduce external threats, enhance employee safety and ensure long-term business continuity.

Our extensively trained personnel are fully equipped to protect your site and assets, even when extreme weather conditions hit. In this vein, GardaWorld Security’s recognition as a Great Place to Work® underscores the value of employee engagement in delivering consistent, high-quality security services. A motivated workforce is demonstrably more effective at mitigating risk and responding to security incidents.   If you're ready to elevate the security of your energy operations, GardaWorld Security is here to help. Let’s talk.