Businesses can worry about competition, market demands, or ROI and make changes to fix it, but they are helpless against fire issues. Nowadays, we have modern equipment for fire detection and safety to accommodate our needs, but it still needs monitoring.
That is why hiring a fire watch security guards has become essential for many businesses. With the growing issue of fire safety and damage caused by it, it’s important to take precautionary steps to avoid it. In this post, we have provided the benefits of hiring fire watch security guards.
To help you understand more about it, we have also added information about when businesses need fire watch security guards. Here are some of the statistics on fire damage and hazards which indicate the need for fire watch security guards.
Fire Damage Statistics:
- According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2022, the US lost more than $18.1 billion in fire damages, 23% more than in the previous decade.
- The same statistics report that more than 129,000 nonresidential buildings, including businesses and shops, were caught on fire.
- Of those 129,000 non-residential fires, 12.8% were unintentional or caused by carelessness. Also, 6.2% of them were caused by electric malfunctions.
- This nonresidential building fire was the main cause of 115 deaths and 1,025 injuries.
- In 2021, the national average was 2.3 deaths and 7.2 injuries per 1,000 fires.
What Situations Require a Fire Watch Security Guard?
There are certain situations where businesses need to hire a fire watch security guard. Here’s a breakdown of these scenarios to help you learn more about when hiring one is necessary,
-
Mandated by Fire Code
Fire watch security is often required by buildings and fire codes when the fire safety system of a building is not working properly. For example, if a fire alarm does not work or there is an issue with the sprinkler system. One of the most common issues is a power outage that disables essential fire safety equipment. For this, fire watch security guards provide backup by continuously monitoring fire hazards till the system is repaired or starts working.
-
High-Risk Businesses
Some businesses operate with materials or their work at high risk of fire. For example, construction sites, welding shops, and areas that store and handle highly flammable materials. They need an extra layer of security, like a fire watch security guard, to actively keep an eye on. Security guards can monitor potential fire hazards like sparks and faulty electrical wiring. They will also make sure that all flammable liquids are stored properly. Their presence can prevent a small incident from becoming a bigger fire issue.
-
Events with Temporary Setups
When we talk about fire safety, temporary events like fairs, concerts, and festivals often come under the radar for negligence. They have tents, generators, and various other electrical equipment that need proper monitoring. Due to their temporary nature, most events ignore the proper fire safety rules and regulations, or the people who attend the event don’t follow the rules.
With fire watch security guards in place, they can make sure that all equipment is stored properly. Fire security guard duty and responsibility also include checking for proper fire extinguisher placement and clearing emergency paths. They will make sure that the event can go without any issues and that everyone remains safe.
8 Key Benefits of Hiring a Fire Watch Security Guard
Fire watch security guards provide a useful service beyond just watching over things. Here are some of the benefits of hiring a fire watch security guard for your business,
1. Proactive Fire Prevention
Fire watch guards are specially trained to keep your business safe from fires by identifying and addressing potential hazards before they cause any damage. They patrol your premises regularly, checking for electrical hazards, flammable materials stored improperly, or any other conditions that could cause a fire. This proactive approach can prevent minor issues from becoming major disasters, which can save your business from costly damage and potential injuries.
2. Quick Emergency Response
In the unfortunate event that a fire does break out, fire watch guards are trained to respond quickly and efficiently. They immediately alert the fire department and evacuate the building as soon as they detect any smoke or flames. Their presence ensures clear communication and a well-coordinated response during emergencies, which minimizes risks to people and property. As they offer immediate response to fire, fire watch security services are Important in Los Angeles or large cities like that.
3. Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations
Fire safety regulations and codes are constantly changing, which can be difficult to keep up with. By hiring fire watch security guards, you can ensure that your business remains compliant with these regulations. These guards have a deep understanding of fire safety regulations, so they can conduct fire safety inspections, confirm that fire alarms and extinguishers are working properly, and keep evacuation routes clear. This makes sure that your employees and customers are protected and helps avoid fines and legal issues.
4. Enhanced Security and Peace of Mind
Having a fire watch guard on-site also provides your business with added security and peace of mind. These guards are constantly attentive, which helps deter unauthorized access, theft, or vandalism. Also, their professional demeanor creates a sense of safety for both employees and customers. This allows everyone to focus on their work without worrying about potential fire hazards or security breaches.
5. Frees Up Staff to Focus on Core Duties
Assigning employees to fire watch duties can interrupt their regular workflow and decrease productivity. Hiring a dedicated fire watch guard can eliminate this burden and allow your staff to focus on their core responsibilities. The fire watch guard will ensure fire safety compliance and take proactive prevention measures. This improves overall efficiency and enables your employees to utilize their skills more effectively.
6. Detailed Reporting and Documentation
Fire watch guards keep detailed records of their patrols and safety checks. These reports help identify potential fire hazards that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. For example, a fire watch guard may report a buildup of combustible material in a specific area. This observation can prompt corrective actions to eliminate the fire risk before an incident occurs. The reports can also identify recurring issues and trends, which can help refine fire safety protocols and create a safer work environment for everyone.
7. Insurance Premium Reductions
Insurance companies may offer lower premiums to businesses that prioritize fire safety. To demonstrate your commitment to fire safety, you can create a documented fire watch security program that insurers can view favorably. This could potentially lead to lower insurance costs for your business. Also, fire watch security guard reports can help you show that you have taken appropriate measures in case of a fire incident. This can reduce your liability and make it easier to navigate the insurance claim process.
8. Reduced Business Disruption
Fire incidents, even smaller ones, can disturb business operations. Fire watch guards can help prevent fires, minimizing the risk of lost productivity and downtime. Security guards ensure a safer work environment, making it easier for businesses to function efficiently. Fire watch security guards can help evacuate people and call for help, which can minimize damage and speed up the recovery process. This allows businesses to get back on track faster in case of an incident.
Conclusion
The continuous upward trends of fire damage to business are concerning. There are thousands of buildings and warehouses that do not follow proper fire safety codes or are unable to do so due to some limitations. Fire watch security guards can monitor and protect businesses from fire hazards and save millions in damage.
In this blog, we have mentioned when or who needs fire watch security guards and the benefits they bring to your business. Once you hire fire watch security guards for your business, you are basically investing in the safety of yourself, your employees, and the longevity of your operation.
Citiguard is a leading fire watch security company in Los Angeles with a decade of experience. They have skilled fire watch security guards who understand the unique requirements of every business and local fire issue. By hiring fire watch security guards from Citiguard, you can safeguard your business and its valuable assets from fire dangers. Their expertise ensures proactive prevention, swift emergency response, and compliance guidance, keeping your entire operation protected.