Case Study: Hurricane Devastation

When Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida, it left devastation in its wake. One beachfront condominium community was hit particularly hard. Over five feet of storm surge swept through the property, destroying nearly every aspect of their access control system:

• Vehicle gates

• Telephone entry systems

• Pedestrian and pool gates

• Garage-level pedestrian doors

• Gate operators and low-energy door openers

• Common area entry doors

• Even their onsite computer systems holding access data

The storm didn’t just knock out security — it erased it.

Immediate Action, Expert Coordination

The day after the waters receded — with sand, salt, and muck covering the property — Key Security Services was on-site. While many properties in the region were still assessing damage weeks later, this association had already received a full action plan to secure the grounds quickly and prevent looting or vandalism.

“While properties around us were dealing with theft and break-ins, we didn’t have a single security incident. Key Security’s fast response gave us the peace of mind we needed when everything else was falling apart.” - Harriet K., Community Association Manager

Throughout the following weeks, as walls were torn down and debris hauled away, Key Security Services remained a constant presence, guiding demolition crews to safely remove decades-old wiring and obsolete equipment without damaging salvageable infrastructure.

A Ground-Up Rebuild — Done Right

Key Security Services took the lead in rebuilding the community’s entire access system from scratch. Working hand-in-hand with the general contractor, the team coordinated:

• New vehicle gates and gate operators

• Liftmaster telephone entry systems

• Low-energy door operators

• Wireless and wired door controllers

• Pool and beach access controls

• Rewiring of access lines throughout the property

• A full cloud-based access control system for centralized monitoring

No corner was cut, and nothing was left behind from the storm. Even better — the outdated access database was replaced by a secure, cloud-based platform offering remote monitoring, control, and reporting from anywhere.

Supporting the Rebuild — and the Paperwork

Beyond the installation, Key Security Services went to bat for the association during the insurance process — helping them document damage, define scope, and navigate multiple adjustors. Their knowledge and persistence ensured the community received maximum compensation for their losses.

“Key Security helped us every step of the way — from coordinating the rebuild to supporting our insurance claims. They weren’t just a vendor. They were our partner.” - Jim D., Board of Directors

Modern Systems = Smarter Protection

The new systems didn’t just replace what was lost — they brought the community into a smarter, safer future. Using Liftmaster gates paired with the Liftmaster telephone entry system, the property now receives instant alerts when a gate is impacted or forced open.

This feature alone has already saved the association thousands. Staff are often able to catch the perpetrator before they leave the property, providing footage, access logs, and reports instantly.

“Our favorite feature? The gate impact alerts. We’ve caught more gate-hitters in the last six months than we did in the last six years. The system basically pays for itself.” - Ben, Maintenance Supervisor

Peace of Mind, Rebuilt

This community watched its access system get wiped away by a wall of water. Today, it’s one of the most modern, secure properties on the beach — with better insight, stronger infrastructure, and a trusted team behind it.

Key Security Services didn’t just rebuild. They reassured, supported, and stayed with the community every step of the way — from the first soggy step into the muck to the final test of the last installed gate.

This isn’t just a story of restoration. It’s a story of resilience, reinvention, and real peace of mind.