As Winter Storm Fern continues to batter much of the United States this week, the need for robust security planning around construction sites and residential buildings has become more pressing than ever. This historic storm has already unleashed heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures across dozens of states, from the South and Midwest to the Northeast. More than a million customers are without power, prompting travel chaos, emergency declarations, and dangerous conditions.
As organizations across the country update their risk management and operations plans this week, on-site security should be factored in. Construction sites, residential complexes, and other sprawling, open job sites may be especially vulnerable to opportunists while emergency services experience delays.
We’ve put together this short read to help folks in our network assess their on-site preparedness and access security resources during the inclement weather ahead.
Which States Are Most Affected by Winter Storms This Week?
The current winter weather impacts a massive swath of the country:
- Southern states such as Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana experienced crippling ice storms that snapped trees and downed power lines.
- The Midwest and Plains regions from Texas through Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri have seen heavy snow, freezing rain, and treacherous road conditions as the storm extends its reach eastward.
- Northeastern states, including Pennsylvania, New York, and New England, continue to dig out from plow‑stopping snow and dangerously low temperatures.
Across this expansive area, weather warnings — from winter storm alerts to ice storm advisories — remain in effect, making routine operations more difficult and increasing safety risks.
Why Winter Storm Security Matters
Harsh winter conditions do more than slow traffic and disrupt daily life; they create vulnerabilities that can lead to security breaches if not proactively managed.
1. Power Outages & Reduced Visibility
Widespread outages from snow and ice can plunge sites into darkness, dramatically increasing the risk of theft or vandalism at construction sites or unoccupied residential buildings. Dark job sites with stalled lighting are prime targets for thieves who may exploit low visibility. Ensuring security services are prepared with backup lighting or patrols becomes vital when infrastructure falters.
Outages that last more than four hours can also prompt reactions from your local fire marshal. Persistent outages may require an on-site fire watch, even during winter temperatures. When sourcing your security provider, it is useful to confirm that your selected vendor can also provide dedicated fire watch guards when needed.
2. Compromised Perimeter Protection
Snow buildup and ice can damage fences, gates, cameras, and barriers — rendering physical perimeters and automated security ineffective. Routine site checks can reveal weakened points before they’re exploited. The use of armed guards during extended outages or extreme conditions adds an additional, flexible deterrent against opportunistic crime.
3. Delayed Emergency Response
With roads blocked and emergency services stretched thin by the weather, onsite teams may face significant delays before help arrives. In this context, trained security personnel — skilled at managing emergencies until first responders can access the site — can prevent small issues from becoming major liabilities.
4. Weather‑Responsive Security Plans
An effective winter storm security plan anticipates these weather challenges. It includes clear patrol schedules, ready communication systems, contingency power (even portable generators), and coordination with local law enforcement and utility crews.
Winter storms like Fern demonstrate that 2026 weather events are not only intense but widespread, affecting infrastructure and daily operations across half the country. For construction sites and residential developments alike, the winter season underscores a simple truth: comprehensive security services are essential for safeguarding people, equipment, and property when nature is at its harshest.
By combining proactive physical measures with well‑trained personnel — including armed guards where appropriate — businesses can maintain resilience even as snowstorms challenge routines and safety norms. Security during winter storms isn’t an afterthought; it’s a strategic imperative.
Contact The Guard Alliance
Operating across the country since 2010, The Guard Alliance has been proud to assist America’s facility operators and project managers with same-day security guards during extreme weather events. Our guards have dealt with the pandemic, snow, rain, floods, and hurricanes. We are ready to provide an increased security presence at job sites experiencing extreme weather and can deploy to most affected regions within hours. Contact us today for armed, unarmed, vehicle patrol, or fire watch security guards.
