Shawn C. is a resident of Gulf Harbors in Pasco County, Florida.
In October 2024, Hurricane Helene sent a devastating storm surge through his neighborhood.
His family evacuated to a hotel to wait for the floodwaters to recede.
When they came back to check on their home, they found strangers inside.
“We had some people walking around the house,” Shawn told News Channel 8 in Tampa.
“One of the neighbors had to come down and run them off (and) actually threaten violence to get them to leave.”
His family was fortunate to have neighbors watching.
In nearby Pinellas County, the sheriff’s office arrested 45 people for looting in the weeks after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Charges included armed robbery, burglary, grand theft, and vandalism.
Shawn’s experience proves that property crime increases significantly after disasters.
Which is why preparing security measures before disaster strikes is essential.
So, here’s what you need to know about keeping your property protected during evacuations.
Benefits of anti-looting preparations:
Visible Deterrents Work: Studies show that security cameras and warning signs reduce property crime.
Maintained Property Value: Protecting your home during disasters prevents both storm damage and theft.
Community Protection: When neighbors watch out for each other, entire neighborhoods become safer.
Drawbacks to anti-looting preparations:
No Guarantee: No deterrent is completely effective against determined individuals.
Legal Considerations: Using force to protect property has specific legal limits.
Document everything if you do encounter intruders on your property.
Upfront Investment: Quality security cameras and lighting require initial purchase costs.
Budget for security equipment before hurricane season starts.
Now, here are your top priorities for protecting your home during evacuations:
Priority 1: Visible Security
Install outdoor cameras at all entry points before hurricane season.
Add motion-sensor lights to dark areas around your home.
Post signs indicating surveillance and alarm systems.
Priority 2: Reinforce Entry Points
Upgrade to solid-core exterior doors with quality deadbolts.
Add security film to windows to make them much harder to break.
Install door reinforcement kits that prevent kick-ins.
Secure sliding doors with pins or security bars.
Priority 3: Community Network
Know your neighbors and exchange contact information now.
Create a group text for emergency communication before storms hit.
Agree to watch each other’s homes during evacuations.
A connected neighborhood is a protected neighborhood.
After a major disaster people know that homes are empty, police are overwhelmed, and alarm systems may be offline.
So, your property becomes more vulnerable, especially the moment you evacuate.
But with the right preparations, you can reduce the risk significantly.
In Shawn’s case, having watchful neighbors made all the difference.
