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It all began on August 25 with Hurricane Harvey, which was the first Hurricane to hit the US mainland since hurricane Wilma in 2005. Harvey struck Texas as a category 4 Hurricane and devastated the areas surrounding Houston. It stayed in the area for several days before it circled back out onto the gulf and re-entering Texas again near Beaumont Texas. The top rainfall total was a preliminary 51.88 inches near Highlands, Texas. This rainfall total would be the heaviest from any tropical cyclone in the continental U.S. in records dating to 1950. This hurricane would have devastating effects not only on Texas and Louisiana, but the rest of the county as Beaumont Texas was deeply effected as Hurricane Harvey Made Land fall in nearby Louisiana.  Beaumont, Texas, the home to some of this country’s largest gas/oil refineries, which were damaged, thus causing the gasoline prices to rise across the country.  This Hurricane is one that has not hit the Texas bend area in over 50 years.   Harvey is responsible for 57^th deaths and dumped over 27 Trillion gallons of water. And losses over $75 Billion. August 17- August 30^th.

Then we had a rare event, three (3) active hurricanes in the Atlantic/Gulf areas  at one time.

Hurricane Irma, a category 5 Hurricane which goes through the Atlantic causing damage through the many of the Caribbean Islands. It causes damage and power outages to Puerto Rico, USVI , Dominican Republic and many other islands in the Caribbean . It then makes landfall in Cuba as a category 5. After causing much destruction to Cuba, Hurricane Irma continued on it path focus on Florida.  It makes landfall in Florida causing major damage to the Florida Keys.  Hurricane Irma path did not matter because it was so huge in size (larger than the state of Texas) that it covered both the east and west coast of Florida as it moved north.  Hurricane Irma caused much devastation through it path through Florida.  Irma had the longest stretch of wind of 175+ and winds gust of 220mph.  Hurricane Irma lasted from August 30^th– Sept 11^th, causing many deaths and billions in damages.

Hurricane Jose which becomes a Category 4 over the Atlantic causing dangerous ripe tides along the way. Jose which did not make landfall has been a slow-moving storm weakening to a tropical storm but has just made several circles in the Atlantic Ocean.  It caused severe riptides to the North east from New Jersey to Massachusetts-  September 5^th till Sept 23. Hurricane Jose one of the longest lasting hurricanes on record.

Hurricane Katia which was in the Gulf of Mexico and made landfall in Mexico going across Mexico in a South West pattern September 6^th -September 9^th

Hurricane Maria, another Category 5   September 16- till at least September 28th. Hurricane Maria was a Category 5 hurricane when it makes landfall in the small Island of Dominica.  After causing devastation there, Hurricane Maria, then makes landfall in southeast area of Puerto Rico in the town of Yabucoa as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 155 mph. Maria entered PR at 6:15 am, but power outages began before midnight even though many areas were still suffering from power outages from Hurricane Irma. Hurricane Maria continued as slow moving low pressure high wind (Cat 4) hurricane going north west causing much destruction in its path. By the time Maria exits Puerto Rico about 12 hours later, just before Arecibo as a Category 3. The entire island had been covered with heavy rain and winds and the entire island lost power and communication. Only a few reporters were able to send messages and reports. As of this writing, there is still no power and communication is rare on the island, it is determined a disaster zone and federal help is on its way.  They will NOT have adequate power for months.  Supplies and medical and emergency assistance is at a minimal.  Deaths amount will go up, potable water will be minimal, food will be rationed, electrical limited, communication minimal, crime and looting will rise and cost of damages will not be recovered mainly because most cannot afford the cost of insurance or the corrupt systems. Federal assistance will be needed. This Island already had problems and power outages from Hurricanes Irma and Jose and now Maria made a direct hit, it was a knockout punch to the Island. A hurricane of this magnitude has not hit Puerto Rico since 1928.

On September 7, I, personally experienced an earthquake as I was on a trip in Cancun Mexico.   The earthquake measured 8.2 on the Richter scale at the point of impact, which was some 500 miles to our south west. This was the largest seismic earthquake in over 100 years. Less than two weeks later on September 19, 2017 a 7.1 measured earthquake occurred again in Mexico, the town of Mexico City. This was the location of the deadliest earthquake in Mexico over 30 years ago losing thousands of lives. Two days later, another earthquake occurred in Japan, measures at 5.9.

All these natural events, many being records or events that hasn’t happen in decades, are happening in this past several weeks is reason why we must always be alert and know how to prepare and have an emergency plan (including a communication plan) should any natural, man-made or terrorist event take place.

Hurricane Sandy proved to be a powerful storm that created much chaos, destroying many homes and properties along its path.

With that said, many did not aheared to the numerous warnings, or should I just say they ‘disregarded’ these important messages and  simply choose to believe that “it would not happen to them“or “that it’s not going to be that bad because of the last storm”. Only to begin statements that start as “I didn’t think it was going to be that bad” or “I thought it was going to be different“.

It is always better to be in the side of caution and evacuate and properly prepare than be in a disadvantage position.  While many did listen to the warning and evacuated when it safe to do so, quite a few choose to stay behind till that last moment or when it was too late. By then, this was creating a expose risk to all first responders and emergency workers. Many who have families they want to get back home to.

Many lost electricity for hours, days or for over a week. Many lost property, homes or their own lives.  When dealing with a natural event that can cause havoc, think wisely, be prepared, have your plans in place (including alternate plans) and listen to the messages being givento you by your local police, fire and emergency management office. They know what needs to be done to minimize your exposure and keep you safe. Having a plan in place makes your personal response alot easier to handle.

Blue Light Security, LLC has been involved in numerous hurricanes and natural disaster events. For information on how to properly prepare yourself and your family please contact us at (888) 501-2710.

 

With Hurricane Sandy about to make landfall somewhere in central New Jersey, everyone within several hundred miles of the eyes of the storm will feel its wrath.  Frankenstorm, as it been called, is not to be taken lightly, as it has the making of the “perfect storm”. A mixture of several weather patterns combine with hurricane strength winds and low pressure (high in moisture), making it one frightening storm.

Take ALL the preparedness steps needed and proceed with all the precautionary warnings.

Have a Emergency Action Plan in place, including but not limited to the following:

1. Communication measures
2. Evacuation plan,
3. Back up copies of all important documents
4. Secondary meeting location or communication person should one lose contact with each other
5. Emergency Supplies (Batteries, water, can foods, candles, energy bars, medical supplies etc)
6. Gas for vehicles and generators. (store in a safe location)
7. Remove all loose items from the outside and bring them in. Move items away from the windows.
8. Have a landline phone and a portable radio ready.
9. Have cash in hand should power be lost, ATM’s and credit card machines won’t work in the that area.
10. Have an emergency contact and location list of all local emergency agencies needed (Utilities, Emergency centers, Police, Fire, etc)

These are just a few of many steps that can be taken to minimize your exposure for these natural events.  The better you are prepared the better the response can be for you. Make sure ALL family members are properly equipped and know what to do with your plan. Have a”Go Bag” ready in the event you need leave at a moments notice.  A “Go Bag” is a hand travel bag, containing just items you will need with includes documents too.  Prepare for at least 72-96 hours.

Please refer to your local authorities for up to the minute updates of services being provided and of status in your area.  If you are in a flood prone area and have been advise to evacuate please listen to the warning. Evacuate with ample time to get to your destination prior to the storms arrival. If you must drive during the storm, communicate your intention with someone prior to leaving and intented path of travel.  Implement community response strategies and maintain communications with neighbors, the elderly and those needing and relying on medical assistance.  If need be and for your safety, utilized your local evacation centers and shelters.

For hurricane updates, you can always refer to your local office of emergency management and local news.

Blue Light Security Consulting is available to develope, review or update your plans.

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the attacks of the World Trade Center (WTC) on American soil.

I witnessed both planes stike the North and South towers of the WTC causing havoc, confusion and creating a massive citywide emergency response event, the largest NYC emerercy responders has reponded to at one location and also the largest amount of first responders whose lives were lost. For several weeks afterwards, first reponders from all over the United States came in to assist in the search and recovery efforts. I thank all (workers, volunteers, supporters) who made a difference during this difficult time.

Since this event, a lot of lessons were learned and many changes in both the security management and emergency management field have been made.

But, as many changes that have been made, it still seems as if we have areas that need to be addressed 10 years later, like communications, interoperability of operations, planning, training and response.
On this date, take the time to revisit your plans and asked yourself, do they need to be updated, have they been exercised, and what are my response capabilities? As a first reponder, on 9/11, the city as prepared as it was, was not prepared for what occurred. Communications measures were limited, cell phone sites were down, resources of equipment were not organized and the influx

of volunteers could not be immediately addressed as to where they should respond to.

Since then most of these areas have been addressed and plans have been developed.
As I reflect on this day, and of the friends and fellow first responders that were lost or fallen ill since then, I know its the reason why Blue Light Security Consulting was developed… to make sure that you are never in the left in dark when an Emergency and Security issue confronts you. God Bless America and Never Forget.

Hurricane Irene hit NYC as a Catergory 1 storm wrecking havoc and causing flooding to many areas by adding at least 6 more inches of rain to the already saturated grounds of the NY area.

One need to properly prepare for these emergencies by having proper plans in place.

While hurricanes in NYC are not a common occurance heavy rains, flooding and high winds are. The storm surge and back winds of the hurricane can cause more damage than the storm itself.

Electrical outages, communication measures and food/water supply are always the main areas of concern during these storms. Down power line, trees uprooting, flying debris, limited water supply, food damage, lack of communication measures such as phone, TV, radio, and cell phone, limited vehicle usage, access to fuel as well as operational ATM’s are all examples of what can occur and limit your resources during these storms.
The aftermath of a hurricane/storm is just as important as you need to assess your potential damages and needs.

You need to create your proper Emergency Preparedness plans, which will assist in covering areas that you need in order to maintain your safety and security for at least the next 72 hours to 120 hours so that when situations like this occur, you are not left in the dark.

Today marks a historical day for America. In the aftermath of the death of Osama Bin Laden, police and security forces and all Americans need to keep alert and vigilant. Since 09/11/01, there has been special operations searching for Osama Bin Laden and finally tonight that search has concluded.

Also, since that date, security measures and training has drastically changed.

The slogan “If you see something; say something” was developed. We all need to be prepared, stay alert, remain vigilant and remember to say something if, and when, you see something; as retaliation from loyal followers and insurgents can occur in the aftermath of Osama Bin Laden’s death. God Bless America.