USPA Deploys Fire Watch Security Teams in Florida for Helene
Short on Time?
USPA Nationwide Security is deploying its emergency fire watch and security teams across Florida in preparation for Hurricane Helene. With a state of emergency declared in 61 counties, USPA is mobilizing personnel from Tallahassee to Tampa to provide 24/7 protection for businesses and property managers. Their teams, consisting of military veterans and certified guards, are prepared to handle fire suppression system malfunctions, safeguard construction sites, and respond to false alarms triggered by power outages. USPA’s fire watch services are A+ rated, Chamber of Commerce-endorsed, and OSHA-certified, ensuring compliance with local regulations and swift response during the storm. Additionally, 50% of the company’s profits support the rescue of missing girls, aligning with their mission of community service. With storm surges, high winds, and potential flooding expected, USPA’s teams are available to assist property managers in maintaining safety and security during and after the storm.
USPA Deploys Fire Watch Security Teams Across Florida Ahead of Hurricane Helene
24/7 Protection for Businesses, Property Managers Before Helene
TALLAHASSEE, FL, Sept. 24, 2024 – As Tropical Storm Helene strengthens and nears Florida, USPA Nationwide Security is mobilizing its emergency fire watch and disaster recovery teams to protect businesses and communities across the state. Known for their commitment to safety and social responsibility, USPA will be on the ground from Tallahassee to Tampa, providing fire watch services and security personnel to assist where local authorities may be overwhelmed due to storm-related emergencies.
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 61 counties, activating Florida’s emergency response infrastructure ahead of Helene’s projected landfall as a Category 3 hurricane. In parallel, USPA Nationwide Security, a trusted provider of fire watch and security services, has initiated its own emergency deployments to support local businesses, property managers, and residents.
Here’s What’s Inside
1. Introduction
2. Overview of Hurricane Helene
3. USPA’s Fire Watch Services Explained
4. Why Property Managers Need Immediate Action
5. The Role of USPA in Disaster Recovery
6. How USPA Supports Emergency Response Efforts
7. The Importance of 24/7 Fire Watch During Storms
8. Benefits of Pre-Emptive Fire Watch Deployment
9. Governor DeSantis’ State of Emergency and What It Means
10. Ensuring Safety for Businesses Across Florida
USPA’s Fire Watch and Security Teams: Critical Support for Communities
USPA Nationwide Security’s fire watch teams are certified, highly trained professionals, many of whom are military veterans or former law enforcement officers. In Tallahassee, USPA provides over 500,000 hours of fire watch services annually, ensuring compliance with local fire safety regulations. Their team is A+ rated, endorsed by the Chamber of Commerce, and OSHA-certified, making them a reliable partner in protecting properties during storm-related disruptions.
“We understand the critical nature of these storms and the stress they place on local infrastructure,” said a Fitzgibbons. “That’s why we’ve deployed ahead of the storm to ensure we can respond immediately when fire suppression systems are compromised, when power outages lead to false alarms, or when local law enforcement is stretched thin by the overwhelming demand.”
Fire Watch Services for Construction Sites and Businesses
As Hurricane Helene approaches, construction sites and businesses across Florida are preparing for potential damage to fire suppression systems, which can leave properties vulnerable to fire hazards. USPA’s fire watch services include 24/7 site monitoring, emergency response, and specialized oversight of hot work activities in accordance with NFPA guidelines.
USPA's 24/7 fire watch teams are ready to protect Florida businesses and communities, ensuring safety during Hurricane Helene’s landfall."
In high-risk environments such as construction sites, USPA’s teams conduct regular patrols and inspections, ensuring that fire protection systems are functional and compliant with safety regulations. Should systems fail due to storm damage, USPA’s guards are equipped to mitigate the risks, safeguarding properties until repairs can be made.
Supporting Emergency Management Efforts Across Florida
In anticipation of Helene’s landfall, USPA is aligning with state and local emergency management efforts. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center and is conducting twice-daily coordination calls with all 67 counties. USPA’s fire watch and security teams are working closely with property managers and businesses to protect critical infrastructure, especially in areas vulnerable to storm surge and wind damage.
USPA’s services are not limited to fire watch. Their disaster recovery security teams are also deployed to safeguard businesses and residential complexes experiencing power outages, damaged fire suppression systems, and potential looting due to alarm system failures. With over 500 missions underway across the state, USPA plays an integral role in the broader efforts to keep communities safe.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Fire Protection Guide for Horse Barns
RELATED ARTICLE
Fort Myers Fire Linked to Torch: Fire Watch Needed
Using Profits to Rescue Missing Girls
One of the unique aspects of USPA’s business model is its philanthropic mission. The company is widely recognized not just for its fire watch services but also for its commitment to rescuing missing children. A core tenet of USPA’s operations is that 50% of its profits are directed toward the USPA Nationwide Security’s philanthropic arm, which focuses on rescuing missing girls and other vulnerable individuals.
This commitment is not just a marketing slogan—it’s a documented fact supported by numerous testimonials and public endorsements. For example, Kerry Rodier, a client of USPA, expressed profound gratitude for the company’s involvement in the search for her son, praising their professionalism and compassion. Testimonials like Rodier’s are part of the reason USPA’s reputation extends beyond fire safety and security into the realm of humanitarian work.
Immediate On-the-Ground Support: Tallahassee to Tampa
With Tropical Storm Helene rapidly intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, USPA’s teams are already stationed in key locations across Florida, including Tallahassee, Tampa, and surrounding areas. As the storm brings potentially life-threatening storm surges, wind damage, and flooding, USPA’s personnel will be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings for Florida’s Gulf Coast, with storm surges expected to reach 10-15 feet in some areas. In regions like Tampa Bay, Bradenton, and Florida’s Big Bend, where storm surges and wind fields are forecast to be most severe, USPA’s fire watch teams are on standby to respond to any fire-related emergencies that arise due to system malfunctions or disruptions.
Our certified fire watch guards are deployed ahead of the storm to assist property managers with immediate response, protecting assets and lives during emergencies."
Proven Expertise in Storm Response
USPA Nationwide Security has a longstanding history of responding to natural disasters and storms. Their trained fire watch guards and security officers are equipped to handle the unique challenges posed by hurricanes, including monitoring fire suppression systems, protecting vulnerable properties, and ensuring businesses remain compliant with safety standards during prolonged power outages.
RELATED: Emergency Disaster Recovery Service
In addition to their immediate response capabilities, USPA offers ongoing fire watch services for businesses and construction sites, mitigating fire hazards during storm recovery. Their services extend to areas where police may be overwhelmed due to false burglary alarms caused by storm-related traffic light outages.
Public Guidance and Preparation
As Floridians brace for the impact of Hurricane Helene, USPA encourages businesses and property managers to remain vigilant and prepared. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels like FloridaDisaster.org, which provides updates on evacuation zones, road closures, and storm conditions.
USPA’s 24/7 dispatch service remains active, allowing businesses and property owners to request fire watch and security services at any time. By deploying ahead of the storm, USPA aims to minimize disruptions and ensure that essential services remain operational, particularly in areas where fire suppression systems may fail.
A Trusted Partner in Emergency Response
USPA Nationwide Security has positioned itself as a critical player in Florida’s emergency preparedness efforts. With a proven track record of providing high-quality fire watch services, combined with their philanthropic mission to rescue missing children, USPA’s presence across Tallahassee and Tampa underscores their commitment to safety and community well-being. As Tropical Storm Helene approaches, USPA stands ready to deploy its teams to protect Florida’s businesses, residents, and vulnerable infrastructure.
For immediate assistance or to request fire watch services, contact USPA Nationwide Security at (800) 214-1448.
Frequently Asked Questions
As of September 24, 2024, Tropical Storm Helene has officially formed over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea and is forecasted to intensify before making landfall in Florida.
Hurricane watches have been issued for counties such as Bay, Lee, and Polk, while tropical storm warnings cover the Lower Florida Keys, and additional tropical storm watches affect Citrus, Pasco, and more.
Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 61 counties, activating the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1. Nearly 500 missions are underway to support local counties with resources like water and generators.
The Florida State Guard has prepared 250+ soldiers, amphibious rescue vehicles, and search and rescue teams. FDLE, FWC, FDOT, and other agencies have staged resources, vehicles, and personnel for emergency response and recovery.
Floridians can visit FloridaDisaster.org for updates on county resources, evacuation zones, and preparedness efforts. They are encouraged to monitor local emergency management websites and follow official guidelines.
About the Author
Brian Fitzgibbons, Director of Operations at USPA Nationwide Security, is a leading figure in emergency preparedness and disaster response, particularly in fire watch and security services. With years of experience managing teams of military veterans and law enforcement officers, Fitzgibbons oversees USPA’s critical deployments during hurricanes and other emergencies, ensuring businesses and communities are protected. His expertise in high-risk security operations extends to protecting vital infrastructure and coordinating rapid response teams in storm-affected areas. In addition to his leadership in security operations, Fitzgibbons is a renowned missing person investigator through Kingsman Philanthropic, with his work featured on platforms like Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and Fox & Friends. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Fitzgibbons combines tactical expertise with a commitment to humanitarian efforts, making him a respected authority in both emergency response and security services.
Brian Fitzgibbons
Director of Operations
Email: brian@uspasecurity.com
Phone: (800) 214-1448
Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Preparedness Efforts Ahead of Helene, Office of Governor Ron DeSantis (Sept. 24, 2024), https://www.flgov.com/2024/09/24/governor-ron-desantis-issues-updates-on-state-preparedness-efforts-ahead-of-helene.
NHC Says Category 3 Major Hurricane Could Bring 15-Foot Storm Surge to Florida Coast, Orlando Sentinel (Sept. 24, 2024), https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/24/nhc-says-category-3-major-hurricane-could-bring-15-foot-storm-surge-to-florida-coast.
Tropical Storm Helene Forecast: Major Hurricane Could Threaten Gulf Coast, The Weather Channel (Sept. 23, 2024), https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2024-09-23-tropical-storm-hurricane-helene-forecast-gulf-florida.
Hire the #1 Fire Watch Service in Tallahassee, Florida, USPA Nationwide Security (2024), https://uspasecurity.com/tallahassee-florida-fire-watch-service-fl/.
