Fire watch and Security Officers
When you think of a security officers you think of their role in preventing break-ins, vandalism, and loss of assets in businesses. What you may not think of is a security officer’s role in preventing fires and fire damage. This role is perhaps the most important one and is commonly known in the security industry as a fire watch. The purpose of a fire watch is to identify and control fire hazards, detect fires, activate an alarm, notify the fire department, and assist in the evacuation of occupants in the event of a fire. Read More…
All officers participating in the fire watch should be familiar with the areas they are patrolling as well as the location of manual pull alarm stations and fire extinguishers. A security officer is likely to be the first person at the scene of a fire at his or her workplace. The employer’s emergency response procedures for security officers should be known and followed closely in the interest of public safety. The role of the security officer when a fire alarm sounds may include confirming a suspected fire, summoning the fire department, helping with the building evacuation, and assisting with crowd control. The early detection and prevention of fires as one of the most essential duties of security officers. A security guard should always watch for potential fire hazards while patrolling or maintaining his or her post. The presence of a security officer trained in fire watch is very important in preventing loss and injury. Read More…
Fire Prevention and Evacuation Readiness
The early detection and prevention of fires are one of the most essential duties of a security officer. A security officer should watch for potential fire hazards while patrolling or maintaining their post. This can include being on the lookout for unusual sparks or heat from electrical equipment. It may also include ensuring that combustible or flammable items are safely stored and kept away from any possible sources of ignition. It also includes visually inspecting fire extinguishers periodically to ensure that they are not past their listed expiration dates and are kept in good condition. If they are inoperable, they must be reported to the building or business owner so they can be repaired or replaced. Security officers can also check that fire alarms are in proper working order so that they are ready if needed in event of a fire emergency. Fire watches should make regular rounds of the building, including unoccupied areas, and be on the lookout for any potential fire hazards. Similarly, a security officer should ensure that all corridors that are to be used for emergency purposes will be kept clear and unobstructed. It is also important to make sure no combustible materials are being stored there so that fire won’t spread to these exits and make sure the exits are unblocked on both sides and easily accessible in cases of emergency. Read More…
In the Event of a Fire
Prevention does a lot towards avoiding emergencies, but even that does not guarantee that a fire won’t occur. So, what role do security officers play in the event of a fire? If a fire alarm is triggered, smoke is visible, or there are other signs of a fire, a security officer may be expected to confirm the fire. Once the officer has visually confirmed a fire, he or she may be expected to activate the alarm if it is not already ringing and call the fire department. The officer should also call their supervisor or client and inform them of the situation. The security officer must know and closely follow the company’s fire alarm procedures for security officers. This will include helping direct occupants to the nearest emergency exits. With large crowds, there may be crowd control duties both inside and outside the structure, along with helping to direct emergency personnel when they arrive on the scene.
It is of the utmost importance that our businesses, customers, and property are protected. A well-trained, professional security officer will help make sure that happens. If you would like a free, no-obligation consultation for your business to see which security monitoring options are right for you, call National Protective Services, Inc. today at (703)379-7272, email [email protected], or visit www.npsva.com to set that up. At NPS we Protect You Like Family.