How Security Guards Respond to Power Outages

Last week’s bomb cyclone left hundreds of buildings in Metro Vancouver and on Vancouver Island without power, with some areas affected for multiple days. As severe weather becomes increasingly common in BC, it’s important to consider the unique residential security challenges posed by power outages and how a condominium’s security team can help maintain safety. In this blog, we’ll explore how residential security guards safeguard buildings during power failures. 

What Security Risks Do Power Outages Pose?

Power failures create numerous security vulnerabilities in residential buildings, particularly when electronic security systems are involved. Without power, CCTV surveillance systems go dark, leaving parts of the building unmonitored during the outage. Electronic access control systems, such as key fobs, may fail and prevent resident access to the building. Similarly, parking garage doors may become stuck open or closed, providing a security risk and preventing entry or exit.

Power outages often affect elevator functionality, leading to residents stranded on upper floors or even becoming stuck in the elevator. Without an elevator, more residents will need to use stairwells, which can be hazardous in low lighting. All of these issues combined can lead to confusion and panic among residents, necessitating a calm and organized security response. 

Preventing Power Outages Through Proactive Maintenance Checks

Upon request from a client, one key aspect of a guard's duties can be conducting regular maintenance checks to prevent issues such as power outages, which can disrupt operations and pose safety risks.

During their patrols, guards can inspect electrical rooms, backup generators, and key infrastructure for any signs of wear or malfunction. They can also check for tripped breakers, exposed wiring, or unusual noises from electrical equipment that could signal potential issues.

By identifying and reporting concerns early, security teams can work hand-in-hand with facility managers to address problems before they escalate. However, in the event these incidents do happen, here are some ways security professionals can respond:

How Do Residential Security Guards Respond to Power Outages?

Residential security guards are trained to provide assistance, monitor for hazards, and ensure a building’s safety during emergencies including power outages. Here are some of the steps they take to ensure a building’s security:

Increased Patrols 

During a power outage, a building’s uniformed security guards will conduct more frequent patrols throughout the building. Since CCTV systems will most likely be nonfunctional, patrols are needed to ensure the safety of all areas of the building. Guards will pay special attention to emergency exits, stairwells, and parking areas where poor visibility may create security risks. Additionally, they will continually sweep the building for any residents stuck in areas without power, such as key fob-controlled access points, elevators, and parking garages. 

Ensuring Emergency Lighting Functionality

Building hallways, stairwells, and parkades may have emergency floor lights that activate during power outages. Residential security guards will check to ensure that these backup lights are active.

Manual Access Control

For buildings that rely on key fob access, concierge security guards will answer the door for residents who may be unable to enter the building. They will keep a manual visitor log, recording the identities of visitors and maintaining detailed paper records of everyone entering and exiting the building. 

Emergency Response Coordination 

Residential security guards serve as a critical link between residents and emergency services during power outages. Throughout the outage, security guards will maintain communication with building management, fire services, and other emergency responders while helping coordinate responses if an emergency incident arises. Guards also assist first responders in accessing specific areas of the building when electronic access is compromised.

Resident Assistance and Communication

Security guards help keep residents informed about the situation and expected restoration times. Residential security guards typically keep a list of units housing elderly or disabled residents, who guards will periodically check up on throughout the outage. They may assist these residents with navigating darkened areas throughout the building, help them obtain temporary backup lighting, and assist with needs as they arise. 

Elevator Response 

When power failures cause elevator malfunctions, security guards will work to find out if any residents are trapped. If a resident is found to be trapped within an elevator, residential security guards will help coordinate with elevator technicians, emergency services, and building management while keeping affected residents calm and informed. 

Securing Critical Areas 

During outages, security guards pay special attention to areas that might become vulnerable, such as mail rooms, storage lockers, and amenity spaces. They ensure these areas remain locked and secure, implementing additional patrols if necessary.

The Blackbird Difference: Exceptional Service in Emergencies

At Blackbird Security, we pride our guards on their exceptional ability to respond to emergencies and serve their communities in times of need. Each of our guards undergoes advanced security training, in addition to the standard Basic Security Training required to become a security guard, through our in-house training program, Blackbird Academy.

At Blackbird Academy, our guards learn essential skills like standard first aid, peaceful de-escalation, crisis management, and customer service, each of which is critical during critical situations such as power outages. Our guards leverage their training to provide a sense of calm while acting swiftly to ensure the safety and well-being of each person in the building. 

Partner With Canada's Number One Residential Security Provider

Power outages, like heat waves and floods, require a swift and thoughtful security response to maintain building safety and resident peace of mind. Ensuring the protection of a building’s residents with a professional on-site security presence should be a top priority for all building and property managers. 

Our well-trained team is ready to protect your property. Get in touch with us using the form below to learn how we can enhance your residential security. 

Explore our Definitive Guide to Condominium Security to learn more about the roles of condo security guards.