In 2022, fire departments responded to a fire every 21 seconds, and a home structure fire was reported every 88 seconds. Shockingly, a home fire death occurred every three hours and fourteen minutes, with a home fire injury every 53 minutes. With growing fire hazards for businesses and residential alike, fire watch security is necessary. Many businesses and organizations are now hiring fire watch security services as they safeguard their assets and prevent fire damage. In this blog, we will provide more information on the roles and duties of a fire watch security guard in Los Angeles.
What is Fire Watch Security?
A fire watch is a precautionary measure put in place when a building’s fire safety equipment is either non-operational or being serviced. During this period, trained fire watch security guards are deployed to monitor and patrol the premises around the clock. Their primary objective is to detect any potential fire hazards, such as combustible materials or electrical faults, and take necessary actions to mitigate the risk.
What Does a Fire Watch Security Guard Do?
Fire watch security guards play multiple roles when it comes to security against fire. Here are some of their duties and responsibilities.
1. Ensuring Safe Evacuation
Trained fire watch security guards can quickly and efficiently evacuate people from a location in case of a fire or emergency. They guide individuals to safety and make sure everyone is accounted for. It’s also their responsibility to keep evacuation routes clear and accessible.
2. Equipment Check for Fire Safety
Security guards assigned to fire watch are responsible for ensuring that all fire safety and prevention equipment is in good working condition. This involves inspecting fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, and other firefighting tools to confirm that they are ready to use in case of an emergency.
3. Prompt Reporting of Safety Concerns
Fire watch security guards play a vital role in ensuring fire safety within a building. They keep a watchful eye and report any safety concerns or potential fire hazards they observe during their patrols. By reporting issues in a timely manner, they help address them before they become bigger problems and take corrective measures to maintain a secure environment.
4. Clearing Pathways and Exits
When there’s an emergency, it’s important to have a clear path for everyone to get out quickly. Fire watch security guards carefully remove any obstructions or debris from walkways, staircases, and exits to make sure that people can escape easily and safely in case of a fire.
5. Effective Communication During a Fire
During a fire incident, clear communication is key to effective emergency response. Fire watch security guards play a vital role in maintaining communication by coordinating with emergency services, updating building occupants, and relaying critical information. A coordinated and efficient response is ensured through this communication.
6. Proactive Fire Prevention
By conducting regular patrols and inspections, the fire watch security guard takes a proactive approach to prevent fires and keep the premises safe. Their keen eye and attention to detail help them identify and address potential fire hazards before they get out of hand. This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of fires, ensuring that everyone on the premises is protected. Trust the fire watch security guard to be your first line of defense against fires.
7. Safeguarding Hazardous Materials
Security guards on fire watch in facilities with hazardous materials take extra precautions. They ensure that these materials are stored and handled safely, following regulations. If a fire happens, they work to prevent it from getting worse by using special procedures for handling hazardous substances.
8. Detailed Fire Watch Documentation
Keeping accurate records is crucial for ensuring fire watch security. Security personnel are responsible for documenting their patrols, inspections, and any incidents in detail. These records are useful for detecting patterns, analyzing trends, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Security guards can provide a valuable resource for improving safety protocols by maintaining comprehensive records.
9. Vigilant Patrolling Service
Fire watch security guards perform regular and systematic patrols to ensure that all areas of a facility are secure and free from potential fire hazards. This contributes not only to fire prevention but also to the overall safety and well-being of the premises and its occupants. Patrolling services are an essential aspect of fire watch security guards’ function and play a significant role in maintaining security.
Why are Fire Watch Services Important?
Fire watch services are important for businesses as they provide protection against potential fire risks. These services help keep people safe and protect assets by providing reassurance when a building’s fire protection systems are temporarily unavailable. Fire watch security guards take proactive measures, communicate effectively, and maintain meticulous documentation to ensure a secure environment for businesses. In summary, fire watch services play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of fire incidents, promoting resilience, and ensuring that business operations continue without disruption.
Conclusion
Fire watch security guards play an essential role in protecting people and property from the destructive effects of fire. They offer more than just their services; they provide peace of mind, prevent potential disasters, and promote resilience in the face of fire-related risks. As companies navigate the complexities of safety and security, fire watch security guards’ commitment and multifaceted responsibilities are crucial in ensuring a safer and more secure environment for everyone. In this blog, we have provided a list of duties and roles a fire watch security guard performs. They not only help us prevent fire but also help us keep our offices, factories, and homes.
Citiguard is a leading fire watch security company in Los Angeles with decades of experience. We have trained, experienced, certified, and insured fire watch security guards that can protect your assets and safeguard your property against fire. Consult with us today and take the first step towards peace of mind.