Does Your Business Need Fire Watch Security?
The US West Coast had experienced an upsurge of infernos last year, with dry conditions and lighting strikes, among other factors, contributing to over 100 wildfires across the region. Tens of thousands were forced out of their homes with dozens losing their lives as record-breaking flames plague towns such as Oregon and California, consuming millions of acres of land. Stories about the West Coast fires made headlines and brought fire safety to the forefront of our news cycles. Although these fires were pertinent to unkempt forestry, fire safety awareness is certainly something to think about as a business owner.
Fire threats are all around us, and a well-trained fire watch team could be the difference between life and death. Today, we answer questions about what fire watch security is, the kind of services they offer, and choosing a proven partner for your fire safety needs.
Is your business fire safe?
The safety of organizational assets, clients and staff is the responsibility of the business owner and you likely have systems installed as a result. That may be in the way of access control measures and surveillance technology, among others. A sprinkler and fire alarm mechanism is probably in place to offer fire protection on the premises.
So why would you need fire watch security services when technology has your back? It’s because systems aren’t always reliable. What happens when a fire safety system experiences unforeseen downtime? It means the people in your hands are vulnerable during maintenance and unpredictable system failures. In scenarios where construction work is carried out in the building and you have to deal with hot work or open flames, you need extra eyes to keep tabs on things. Fire watch services are important and can complement existing measures to ensure the utmost safety of everyone. Additionally, a proven fire watch team oversees compliance with local fire watch protocols.
What is fire watch security?
Fire hazards are all around the property, and sometimes they aren’t so obvious to the untrained eye. These special guards provide the expertise to sniff out points of vulnerability and keep assets and people safe. In certain circumstances deemed higher risk, your Fire Marshal may mandate fire watch services for your business. That is particularly so in the case of ongoing construction work involving fire hazards like welding and soldering. In the absence of alarm and sprinkler systems for new buildings, the Fire Marshal may require fire watch patrols as well.
Fire watch guards usually work on a schedule, and each patrol is logged into a record system, highlighting hazards or noting bizarre circumstances. The records also entail any communication with local authorities such as the fire department or police.
Duties of a fire watch patrol
The roles of a fire watch team may vary from one property to another depending on the layout and level of risk, but essentially such guards offer property patrols aimed at determining and containing potential fire threats. The team will familiarize themselves with the location of fire extinguishers, staircases, and exits and perform regular checkups to ensure their good condition in readiness for an emergency. In case of a fire, it is the responsibility of the guard to notify people on the premises and facilitate safe evacuation protocols. The team will also take charge of communicating with the fire department and other authorities for assistance.
Who should you hire for fire watch services?
Now that you’ve determined the importance and need for fire watch security, the next question you may have is who to hire. Look for top-notch fire watch services at affordable rates, a sterling reputation, dependability, and a proven track record.
