USPA Responds to Charleston Flooding with Emergency Security
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USPA Nationwide Security has mobilized emergency security and fire watch teams in Charleston as Tropical Storm Debby causes severe flooding and power outages. The company is protecting critical infrastructure, local businesses, and residential areas, ensuring safety amid the storm’s impact. Led by security expert Mike Edwards, the teams are providing essential services to safeguard the community. Charleston’s Mayor has declared a State of Emergency, urging residents to take precautions as the storm continues to threaten the area. USPA remains on standby, ready to respond to any emerging needs.
By Michael Evans, Security Expert and Strategic Advisor
Charleston, S.C. – August 6, 2024 – As Tropical Storm Debby unleashes torrential rains and strong winds across the Southeastern United States, Charleston is facing unprecedented challenges. In response to the ongoing crisis, USPA Nationwide Security has mobilized emergency security guards and fire watch personnel throughout the city, fortifying critical infrastructure and providing essential services to safeguard the community.
State of Emergency Declared in Charleston
Charleston Mayor William Cogswell declared a State of Emergency earlier today, citing “historic levels of rain” expected to inundate the region. The mayor’s dire warnings come as forecasters predict the storm’s center will meander along the South Carolina coast, potentially causing life-threatening flash flooding.
“This unprecedented amount of rainfall poses a real risk of life-threatening flash flooding across Charleston; residents must take immediate precautions,” Mayor Cogswell stated. “For perspective, we typically get between 50 and 60 inches of rain annually, so our system is not designed to handle this kind of volume in this short of a period. The risk of intense flooding cannot be overstated.”
Disaster Response at the Ready
In the wake of the mayor’s declaration, USPA Nationwide Security, with 20 years of experience in the field and an A+ rating with the Chamber of Commerce, swiftly activated its disaster response protocols. The company’s emergency security and fire watch teams have been deployed to protect Charleston’s residents, businesses, and essential infrastructure from the multifaceted threats posed by Tropical Storm Debby.
“USPA has always been committed to the safety and security of the communities we serve,” said Daniel Manning, CEO of USPA Nationwide Security and the firm’s emergency management liaison. “In situations like this, where the stakes are incredibly high, our team is prepared to act swiftly and efficiently to provide the necessary support to ensure the safety and well-being of Charleston’s residents and businesses.”
USPA’s Commitment to Charleston
As flooding intensifies in Charleston, USPA Nationwide Security is rapidly deploying its highly trained security guards and fire watch personnel to assist in the city’s emergency response. With 20 years of experience in crisis management, the company is prioritizing the protection of essential infrastructure, such as water and electricity facilities, along with safeguarding vulnerable businesses and residential areas. Their swift action is crucial in minimizing damage and ensuring the community’s safety during this critical time.
Strategic Leadership in Crisis
Leading USPA’s operations on the ground is Mike Edwards, a former Army Ranger and USPA’s Director of Security. Edwards, known for his tactical expertise and leadership in high-pressure situations, is coordinating the deployment of security guards and fire watch teams across Charleston. His military background equips him with the skills necessary to manage complex operations, particularly in emergency scenarios.
“Having Mike Edwards at the helm of our security detail ensures that our response will be both disciplined and adaptive to the evolving situation,” Manning added. “His experience, combined with our extensive resources, makes USPA uniquely capable of handling this emergency.”
Emergency Fire Watch Services: A Critical Component
As Tropical Storm Debby threatens to incapacitate fire systems due to potential power outages and flooding, USPA’s emergency fire watch services are playing a crucial role in maintaining fire safety across Charleston. Fire watch personnel have been strategically deployed to monitor vulnerable systems, ensuring that any potential fire hazards are identified and addressed promptly, even if traditional fire suppression systems become inoperable.
“Fire watch is a critical component of our emergency response, particularly in situations where flooding and power outages can compromise fire safety systems,” Edwards stated. “Our teams are trained to step in and provide the necessary oversight to prevent fire-related incidents, protecting both lives and property.”
Led by a former Army Ranger with 18 Combat Deployments
Protection of Critical Infrastructure
In the face of Tropical Storm Debby, USPA Nationwide Security has taken decisive action to safeguard Charleston’s critical infrastructure. Recognizing the vital importance of maintaining essential services during such a natural disaster, USPA’s security guards have been strategically stationed at key locations across the city. These sites include utility stations responsible for the distribution of water and electricity, which are the lifelines of the community. The storm’s potential to cause widespread damage makes these areas particularly vulnerable to risks such as vandalism, theft, and operational disruptions.
Supporting Local Businesses and Residents
Beyond critical infrastructure, USPA Nationwide Security is also extending its services to local businesses and residential areas, particularly those most vulnerable to the storm’s impact. Storefronts and commercial properties are benefiting from the presence of security guards who are monitoring for potential looting or vandalism, while residential neighborhoods are seeing increased patrols to deter criminal activity during this critical time.
“Charleston is a vibrant community, and we are dedicated to protecting its people and businesses during this challenging period,” Manning stated. “Our presence here is to ensure that the city can weather this storm with as little disruption as possible, and to provide peace of mind to those who need it most.”
Community Advisory: Preparing for the Storm
As Charleston braces for the continued onslaught of Tropical Storm Debby, USPA Nationwide Security advises all residents to heed the warnings issued by local authorities and to take the necessary steps to secure their properties. Mayor Cogswell has urged residents to prepare by stocking up on essential supplies and clearing drains and gutters to prevent blockages.
24/7 Emergency Response
With the storm expected to make landfall within hours, USPA Nationwide Security assures the Charleston community that its emergency response teams are fully operational and on standby. The company’s 24/7 operations center in Manhattan is coordinating efforts with local assets in Charleston to ensure that all requests for security and fire watch services are met promptly.
For emergency security services or fire watch inquiries, residents and business owners can contact USPA Nationwide Security’s 24/7 Dispatch at (800) 214-1448.
Evacuation Warnings and Ongoing Risks
As the storm’s impacts intensify, evacuation warnings have been extended to more of the Southeastern coast. The mayor of Charleston warned residents against driving on flooded streets and extended a curfew until Wednesday as Debby’s downpours began to inundate parts of the historic city. Forecasters predict the storm will refuel with additional moisture from the Atlantic Ocean before making a second landfall later this week.
Governors in Georgia and the Carolinas have declared states of emergency and warned residents to prepare for potentially catastrophic flooding, including in areas that have never seen rising water before. Savannah, Ga., which was initially expected to face the brunt of the storm, might see a slight reprieve as forecasts shift the heaviest rainfall further north.
The Broader Impact of Tropical Storm Debby
Tropical Storm Debby, which made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane with 80-mile-per-hour winds on Florida’s Big Bend coast, has already been blamed for several fatalities across Florida and Georgia. As the storm continues to wreak havoc, concerns about climate change and its role in producing more powerful storms are being raised. Scientists have noted that a warming planet is contributing to more intense hurricanes and heavier rainfall, amplifying the risks of flooding and destruction.
About USPA Nationwide Security
USPA Nationwide Security has been a leader in the security industry for 20 years, providing top-tier services across the United States. The company is known for its commitment to excellence, maintaining an A+ rating with the Chamber of Commerce, and its ability to respond effectively to emergency situations. With a team of highly trained professionals and a robust infrastructure, USPA continues to set the standard for quality and reliability in security services.
Security Expert, Keynote Speaker
About the Author
Michael Evans is a seasoned security expert with over 30 years of experience in the field. As the founder of USPA Nationwide Security, Evans served as CEO for nearly 17 years before transitioning to his current role as Strategic Advisor. His expertise has been recognized in Forbes Magazine, and his work in celebrity protection and finding missing girls has been highlighted in various documentaries. A former GS-083 federal police officer and law enforcement park ranger, Evans currently leads Kingsman, a nonprofit organization dedicated to locating missing girls and provides strategic advice and keynote speeches on public safety and security excellence.
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Citations
Source: “Residents Were Rescued from Floods in Florida: Here’s the Latest.” The New York Times, August 6, 2024,
Source: “USPA Prepares Charleston Security for Imminent Tropical Storm.” USPA Nationwide Security, Fire & Security Report, August 5, 2024, uspasecurity.com.
Source: Weather.com, “First Look at Debby’s Flooding in Charleston, South Carolina,” accessed August 6, 2024.
