Troubling accounts of criminal activity and looting have arisen amid the devastating wildfires impacting California. According to reports, more than 20 people have been arrested for criminal activity related to the fires in Los Angeles County. Those arrested include someone accused of impersonating a firefighter and committing burglary. Another local report detailed at least one person who was seen on surveillance video inside an evacuated home as concerns over looting loom large in burned and evacuated areas.
From the fires burning out west, to the threat of tornadoes across the country, and hurricanes hitting the coast, it’s an unfortunate truth that criminals leverage these situations to loot and vandalize evacuated and devastated areas. For businesses located in harm’s way, it’s important to know that remote video monitoring (RVM) can be used to proactively deter crime while business owners and employees are focused on what matters most – keeping themselves and their families safe.
Proactive Crime Deterrence
When a natural disaster occurs, the last thing someone should worry about is whether their business is secure. That’s where RVM services come into play. With RVM, businesses can leverage the power of video surveillance cameras to keep watch while they can’t be there.
Pro-Vigil combines the power of artificial intelligence (AI) with video surveillance to detect suspicious behavior and alert a monitoring team that can act at the first sign of trouble. This includes the ability to activate audio and visual deterrents like flashing lights and loud announcements and sirens which can send thieves running. Additionally, users of the Pro-Vigil mobile app can pull up video feeds right on their smartphone and check conditions in real time to reassess what type of response is needed. Pro-Vigil has two solutions businesses can leverage depending on their needs:
- Fixed Video Surveillance – Fixed units consist of surveillance cameras permanently installed on a property. These units are best for locations with easy access to electricity and Wi-Fi so that cameras can be hardwired into the location itself.
- Mobile Security System – Packed with all the benefits of our traditional fixed solutions, mobile units come equipped with solar panels and 5G connectivity with no need for hardwired electricity or Wi-Fi. In the case of natural disaster preparedness or response, our mobile solutions are often the best fit and can easily be moved as conditions change. In the direst circumstances, these units can be deployed in just a matter of days, and even quicker in some cases.
Taking a proactive approach to physical security not only lessens the burden on businesses, but also first responders. By deterring thieves and vandals before they can strike, police officers and firefighters can prioritize evacuations and responding to calls – not responding to incidents that could otherwise be avoided.
Securing Disaster Response Remotely
In some cases, those responding to disasters find themselves in need of better physical security solutions as well. The American Red Cross Eastern New York Region, which serves 3.6 million people, experienced a rash of property theft at its warehouses. This included thieves stealing catalytic converters off Red Cross vans used as mobile blood units. In the event of a disaster, that van would not be able to operate, taking away potentially lifesaving resources.
To better protect facilities or staging areas in impacted locations and make sure resources are ready to roll should disaster strike, the Red Cross division deployed Pro-Vigil’s RVM services to keep watch. “Remote video monitoring from Pro-Vigil is like having a helicopter overhead all the time,” said Ed Cubanski, chief operating officer of the American Red Cross Eastern New York, in a recent case study. “Using AI and having a team of human experts to validate what the AI has identified has been essential for better securing our Red Cross facility.”
Physical Security When You Need It Most
When a disaster occurs, getting out of harm’s way is the number one priority. Let physical security experts handle the burden of securing your properties and assets. Whether you are a business owner evacuating for an unknown amount of time, or a disaster relief organization that must remain ready to respond, Pro-Vigil is here to help.
Contact Pro-Vigil today to learn more.
