Three Critical Facts Regarding Fire Watch Services

Consequently, how can fire protection services develop a great public relations program for their area? The answer is relatively simple and it could seem that fire protection services must stay in the minds of the people when they are out and about. It must also reach them within their homes to ensure that they are sure to think about the importance of weed abatement programs and clearing the dry brush away from their homes.

If any of these conditions occur, a building owner, or their representative could possibly be required by the FD to give a watch until the system is repaired or the hazard mitigated.

Owner Responsibilities

Establish, instruct and maintain fire watch personnel
Notify the FD that the system is not working and again when the system has been repaired.
Contact a licensed contractor to fix the system.
Personnel are determined through the building owner unless otherwise directed by the FD.

Duties

Persons performing this service can not have other duties. Duties will consist of the following:

Conduct periodic patrols of the affected areas
Identify any fire, signs of fire, life or property hazards.
Personnel must have at least one means of direct communication with the FD. (a smartphone is acceptable)
If a fire is discovered, personnel must notify the FD immediately by calling 9-1-1 and provide exact address and area.
Notify occupants of the need to evacuate. If the alarm horns or public address system are still functional, use them to notify occupants
Have comprehension of the place and usage of equipment.
Maintain a logbook of activity.

Frequency of Patrols

Personnel shall patrol the entire area affected every 30 minutes. In large buildings additional personnel shall be assigned so that you can achieve the required frequency.

Record Keeping

A log book has to be maintained at the building. The log book has to be available constantly throughout the watch. The log book should contain the next information:

Address of the building.
Date and time of each patrol through the affected area.
Name of person conducting watch
Records of communications with the FD and licensed contractor doing the repairs.
Other information as required

It really is the responsibility of the owner or their representative, to cancel the watch after the Fire Watch Services protection systems are repaired or the hazard has been mitigated. Once cancelled, the owner or representative must notify the Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau. Afterall is cleared and secured, the property(s) where the fire watch was performed, is ok to cancel watch personnel.