When it comes to protecting your property, particularly during high-risk situations such as construction projects, equipment malfunctions, or system outages, firewatch security is essential. Fire hazards can pose a serious threat, and without proper precautions, the consequences can be devastating.
What is Firewatch Security?
Firewatch security is a specialized service designed to prevent and respond to fire hazards in situations where conventional fire safety systems, such as fire alarms or sprinkler systems, are not fully operational or are under repair. It involves assigning trained security guards to monitor a site continuously, ensuring that any fire risks are detected and addressed before they escalate into an emergency.
Firewatch personnel are responsible for patrolling the premises, checking for potential fire hazards, and taking immediate action if they spot smoke, fire, or other dangerous conditions. Their presence ensures constant vigilance, especially in high-risk environments like construction sites, manufacturing facilities, or areas undergoing maintenance.
In addition to patrolling, firewatch guards play a critical role in coordinating emergency responses, assisting with evacuation procedures, and communicating directly with fire departments. Whether it’s temporary or long-term, firewatch security is an essential safety measure to protect property, assets, and people when conventional fire protection systems are unavailable or compromised.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), property damage from fires in the United States amounted to an estimated $18 billion in 2022. Withthat in mind, here are 10 firewatch security measures that are vital for protecting your property and the people who inhabit it:
1. Conduct a Comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment
Every firewatch plan should begin with a detailed fire risk assessment. Identifying potential fire hazards is critical to preventing incidents before they occur. Common risks include electrical equipment, flammable materials, and malfunctioning fire alarm or sprinkler systems.
Collaborate with local fire safety authorities and fire marshals to assess the risks specific to your site. This will ensure your firewatch security guards are prepared to address any vulnerabilities. A thorough risk assessment is the first step in developing a firewatch plan that can mitigate hazards and keep your property safe.
2. Hire Trained Firewatch Security Personnel
Hiring professional firewatch security personnel is vital to safeguarding your property. Firewatch guards are specially trained to detect early signs of fire hazards and respond quickly in emergencies. Their primary responsibility is to maintain a constant presence, patrolling your site to ensure no potential fire risks go unnoticed.
At ALK Global Security, our firewatch security guards are fully equipped to monitor your site, enforce fire safety protocols, and act immediately if a fire threat arises. Our personnel are trained to handle emergency situations calmly and effectively, ensuring that any fire hazards are dealt with before they become catastrophic.
3. Continuous Patrols and Surveillance
One of the most critical elements of firewatch security is maintaining continuous patrols and surveillance. Firewatch guards should regularly inspect the premises, paying close attention to areas that pose the highest fire risks, such as equipment rooms, heating systems, and electrical infrastructure.
During these patrols, firewatch personnel document any potential hazards and address them as needed. They are also trained to recognize early warning signs of fire risks, such as smoke, unusual odors, or overheating equipment. Maintaining continuous surveillance of your site helps ensure that any fire threat is detected before it becomes an emergency.
4. Emergency Response Planning
Even with the best prevention measures, fire incidents can still occur. This is why having an emergency response plan in place is crucial. Firewatch security personnel should be trained in emergency procedures, including the immediate evacuation of the site and prompt communication with fire services.
Your firewatch security plan should include clear protocols for raising alarms, directing personnel to safety, and coordinating with emergency responders. These procedures ensure that, in the event of a fire, your team is prepared to take swift, effective action to minimize damage and protect lives.
5. Fire Equipment Monitoring
Another key role of firewatch security is monitoring the functionality of fire safety equipment. This includes checking fire extinguishers, ensuring fire alarms are operational, and inspecting sprinkler systems to confirm they are functioning correctly. Regular equipment checks help identify issues before they escalate into serious problems.
If your fire alarms or sprinklers are temporarily out of service, firewatch personnel act as an important safety measure, monitoring the premises for fire risks until the equipment is repaired. This added layer of vigilance ensures your property remains protected, even during equipment downtime.
6. Documentation and Reporting
Firewatch security is not just about physical monitoring; it also involves diligent documentation and reporting. Firewatch personnel should maintain detailed logs of their patrols, noting any potential fire hazards or incidents they observe. These reports help track fire risks and identify patterns that might indicate a recurring issue.
In the event of a fire-related emergency, these logs provide valuable information to emergency services, helping them respond more effectively. Detailed documentation ensures that firewatch security measures are continuously improved and adapted to the needs of your site.
7. Coordination with Fire Safety Authorities
Effective firewatch security requires close collaboration with local fire safety authorities. Firewatch personnel should maintain open lines of communication with fire marshals and emergency services, ensuring that your site complies with all local fire safety regulations.
By working closely with these authorities, your firewatch team can stay updated on fire safety protocols and respond to emergencies with the proper procedures in place. This coordination ensures that your firewatch security plan is comprehensive and legally compliant.
8. Perimeter Security and Access Control
While the primary focus of firewatch security is preventing fires, perimeter security and access control also play a crucial role. Restricting access to high-risk areas, such as rooms with sensitive equipment or flammable materials, helps minimize the chance of accidents or intentional damage.
Firewatch personnel should monitor who enters and exits the site, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to areas where fire risks are high. In doing so, they can help prevent unauthorized access that might lead to accidental fires or safety hazards.
9. Fire Safety Drills and Staff Training
Firewatch security doesn’t operate in isolation—staff and personnel on-site should also be well-versed in fire safety. Regular fire safety drills ensure that everyone knows how to respond in an emergency. Your firewatch security team can oversee these drills, ensuring they are executed properly and efficiently.
Staff should be trained on fire safety protocols, including the proper use of fire extinguishers, evacuation procedures, and identifying potential hazards. A well-informed workforce is an essential part of an effective firewatch security plan.
10. Post-Firewatch Security Measures
After the firewatch period ends, it’s important to continue maintaining fire safety measures. Conduct a post-watch review to assess the effectiveness of your firewatch security plan and make any necessary adjustments. Ensure that any repairs or updates to fire safety systems, such as fire alarms or sprinklers, are completed promptly to restore full protection.
Ongoing fire safety practices, such as regular equipment checks and fire risk assessments, should remain in place to prevent future incidents.
Firewatch security is an essential component of protecting your property during high-risk periods. At ALK Global Security, we specialize in providing tailored firewatch services to meet the unique needs of your property. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help safeguard your site with professional firewatch security.