This research problem was Indian River County Fire Rescue (IRCFR) did not have a disaster management plan that prepared emergency responders for the unconventional rescue challenges that were experienced with catastrophic events. The purpose was to identify and compare factors that demanded unique mitigation methods. Also, to develop an effective action plan in the form of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that would facilitate improved efficiency in rescuing trapped citizens, and provide for the safety of emergency response personnel during disaster operational periods. The action research methodology was used to answer the research questions of how unconventional rescues were defined and what were the disaster related aspects of rescue operations that demanded unique methods to mitigate.Also answered were questions that identified how those problems impacted other agencies or industry and what actions they had taken. The procedures included the analysis of a comprehensive literature review from both recent and contemporary sources, personal interviews with field experts, and a survey of other fire departments to answer the research questions. The results indicated the most prevalent cause of difficult rescue during disaster operational periods to be hurricane shutters. The lack of escape routes produced by shutters presented unique fire and rescue challenges that increased the dangers to occupants as well as firefighting personnel. In addition, when firefighters were faced with unconventional fire and rescue challenges, the tendency was to adapt and force what was known to fit the situation in some way.This practice potentially creates negative and dangerous consequences to personnel and those they attempted to assist. The recommendations are: a) that a proactive approach to the problem is taken; b) create an SOP to be used as a tactical guideline for hurricane shuttered buildings; c) gain assistance from industry professionals; and d) train personnel consistent with the new policy.