Fire Watch Security Services
Fire Watch services In DC, MD & VA
Is your fire alarm or sprinkler system down? Or do you have planned maintenance that requires shutting off your fire protection system? We know this can feel stressful, and the last thing you want is to face fines or safety risks.
At
Urgent Security & Fire Watch, our fire watch teams provide fast, professional fire watch services across
Washington, DC,
Maryland, and
Virginia. Whether it’s an emergency or a scheduled need, our trained fire watch patrol officers are here to keep your property protected and compliant.
HOW IT WORKS - WE MAKE GETTING FIRE WATCH SIMPLE
We know your time is valuable. That’s why we’ve made getting the fire watch coverage you need quick and easy.
01
Call Us
Contact us at 888-241-8183 we’re available 24/7 to answer your call. If it is a scheduled maintenance, a team leader will conduct a thorough tour of your premises in advance. If last minute, the fire watch team will conduct a tour upon arrival. This allows us to set up the patrol area efficiently and identify any risk factors that need attention.
02
Tell Us Your Needs
Whether it’s an emergency or scheduled maintenance, we’ll listen carefully and provide a plan that works for you.
We adhere to best practices and state laws, ensuring compliance at every step. You'll receive full documentation of all areas patrolled . We will also provide a fire watch plan if you are in jurisdiction with requirements like Washington DC that requires a fire watch plan.
03
We Dispatch Quickly
We will quickly send licensed fire watch officers to your location to start patrolling and protecting your property.
The officers document their patrol activities in full compliance with fire watch regulations. Patrol logs will be properly maintained and ready for the fire marshal's inspection.
04
We Stay Until the Job Is Done
The fire watch security officers will monitor your property and patrol regularly until your fire alarm or sprinkler system is repaired and approved by the fire marshal.
Rest assured, the fire watch security guards will not leave your premises until all systems are fully operational and meet fire-code standards. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.
When is fire watch service needed?
Fire Alarms or Sprinklers Are Not Working
Unexpected Alarm or Sprinkler Malfunctions
When a fire alarm or sprinkler system malfunctions unexpectedly, your building is left unprotected. These systems are critical for detecting and controlling fires, and without them, even a small fire can cause significant damage. Local fire codes often require fire watch to begin immediately after the system goes down, and professional fire watch guards can fill this gap.
Example: Imagine a sudden power surge damages your fire alarm system in the middle of the night, leaving your entire building vulnerable. A trained fire watch guard can quickly be deployed to patrol the property, monitor for fire hazards, and respond if an emergency arises. This ensures your tenants, employees, or visitors are safe while the system is being repaired.
Scheduled Maintenance on Fire Alarms or Sprinklers
Planned maintenance or upgrades to fire safety systems are common but still create temporary gaps in protection. During these times, fire watch is required to maintain safety and compliance. Professional guards monitor the building throughout the maintenance period, ensuring no fire risks go unnoticed.
Example: If you are upgrading your sprinkler system, the water supply might need to be turned off for several hours or even days. During this time, a fire watch guard can patrol key areas of the building, such as stairwells, boiler rooms, and storage areas, to ensure any potential fire hazards are addressed immediately. This allows the work to be completed without putting your property or people at risk.
A Construction Site has "hot works" (welding)
Understanding the Role of Fire Watch During "Hot Work" Activities
Construction sites are inherently risky, but hot work activities like welding, cutting, or grinding increase the chances of a fire even more. Sparks from these activities can ignite nearby materials, especially in areas with flammable debris. Fire watch guards provide constant monitoring, ensuring that fire risks are identified and managed before they become dangerous.
Example: A welder working near a pile of wood creates sparks that land on sawdust. Without proper monitoring, the sparks could smolder and start a fire long after the work is done. A fire watch guard is trained to notice these risks in real-time and act immediately to prevent an incident. Their presence not only protects the site but also ensures compliance with fire safety regulations required for construction projects.
Expert Fire Watch security guards for your Property
When you need fire watch, you need it done right. We set the standard for professional fire watch security. Here is what you can expect from our team:
- Frequent Patrols: Our fire watch officers patrol every 30 minutes, going above the industry standard of hourly checks. This ensures your property stays safe and meets local fire code requirements.
- Trained Professionals: Our licensed officers are trained to monitor for fire hazards, alert building occupants if there’s a fire, and call 911 immediately to get help on the way.
- Compliance Support: We help you navigate fire watch regulations, communicate with fire marshals, and create fire watch plans—at no extra cost to you.
No matter the size of your property or the urgency of the situation, we’re ready to step in and get the job done.
what do fire watch security guards do?
- Patrol floors
- Ensure exits and walkways remain clear
- Identify and report any safety concerns
- Sound the alert in case of fire and contact the fire department
- Maintain communication with other officers on site.
- Document all patrol activities in the patrol log
our fire watch SERVICE AREAS
Locations That Frequently Need Fire Watch patrol Services
Residential Buildings
Apartments and condos often need fire watch services, especially during maintenance of fire systems.
Healthcare Facilities
Nursing homes and hospitals must always be prepared for emergencies and may require fire watch during system upgrades or outages.
Corporate Buildings
Office buildings host numerous employees and need to maintain stringent safety standards.
Educational Institutions
Schools and universities, bustling with activity, require vigilant fire safety measures.
Fire Watch security Services for last minute or scheduled fire alarm outages
Understanding the Required Qualifications for Fire Watch Security Guards
Fire watch security guards play a crucial role in maintaining safety during fire vulnerabilities, making their qualifications essential to their effectiveness. Below is a detailed look at what typically qualifies an individual for this critical position.
Specialized Training
These guards undergo comprehensive training focused on fire safety principles, understanding fire codes, and emergency response strategies. This specialized education ensures they can efficiently recognize and address fire hazards.
Knowledge and Skills
Fire watch security personnel must possess in-depth knowledge of several key areas including those listed below:
Fire Hazzards
Recognizing fire hazards is one of the most essential skills for fire watch security guards. They must be able to assess various environments and identify risks such as improperly stored flammable materials, or blocked fire exits. Beyond identification, guards should have the expertise to implement immediate corrective actions to reduce risks, such as removing obstructions or reporting critical issues to the appropriate authorities. Staying vigilant and proactive ensures potential dangers are mitigated before they escalate into emergencies.
Evacuation Procedures
Effective evacuation is important during emergencies, and fire watch guards must understand evacuation procedures. This includes knowing the layout of the property, the locations of exits, assembly points, and any individuals requiring special assistance during evacuation. Guards are also responsible for guiding occupants to safety efficiently while protecting their own safety for fires. Furthermore, they must be familiar with how to communicate with emergency responders. Effective communication minimizes risks to life and property.
Knowledge of Fire Watch Regulations
Fire watch security guards must be thoroughly familiar with fire watch regulations in the jurisdictions where they operate. These regulations often outline specific requirements for fire watch services, including proper reporting procedures, documentation, and operational protocols. Awareness and adherence to these regulations ensure compliance with local laws and help maintain safety standards. Guards who understand these requirements can provide services that meet legal and safety expectations, reinforcing trust in their role as key safety professionals.
Fire Watch patrol Services for last minute or
and scheduled fire alarm outages
Why Should a business Hire a Fire Watch Company
When your building needs fire watch services, it can be tempting to use your own staff to save time or money. But this can lead to big risks, from financial problems to legal trouble.
Hiring a professional fire watch company ensures your property stays safe and compliant with local rules.
Here’s why bringing in the experts is the better choice:
Insurance May Not Cover Your Staff
If you use your employees for fire watch duties, you might be taking a big gamble. Most insurance companies won’t cover accidents or damages caused by staff who aren’t trained for the job.
Fire watch is specialized work, and if your staff makes a mistake, your insurance could refuse to pay. That means your property—and your wallet—are on the hook. A professional fire watch company has trained, certified guards, so you don’t have to worry about being left unprotected.
Avoid Legal Trouble
If something goes wrong while your untrained staff is handling fire watch, you could face criminal charges. For example, if someone gets hurt because your team missed a fire hazard, it might be considered criminal negligence. This could lead to fines, lawsuits, or even felony charges.
A professional fire watch company takes on that responsibility for you, using trained professionals who know how to keep your building safe and compliant with the law.
Fire Watch Staffing is Tough
Fire watch isn’t as simple as assigning one or two people. Many jurisdictions require 1 person 24/7. However, in places like Washington, DC, most buildings require 4-6 people working 24/7 for proper fire watch coverage.
Finding enough staff to meet these needs can be overwhelming, especially during emergencies. A professional fire watch company is ready to provide the right number of trained guards, no matter how big the job is or how quickly you need them.
Fast Action to Avoid Penalties
Local rules often require fire watch to start immediately after a fire alarm or sprinkler system goes down. That gives you little time to pull together a team—and even some security companies can’t respond that fast.
Fire watch companies specialize in these situations, providing trained personnel quickly so your building stays safe and compliant. For example Washington DC fire watch regulations require all personnel to be on place within 4 hours of when the system is down. Failure to do so can result in sizeable penalties.
One Less Thing To Worry About
As a property manager or building owner, you already have plenty to deal with. Trying to keep up with fire watch regulations can feel like one more thing you just don’t have time for. These rules can be confusing and different depending on where you are—some places follow state laws, others have their own city or county rules, and things are always changing.
Fire watch companies take care of this for you. They know the rules, stay updated on changes, and make sure your building stays compliant. Letting the experts handle it means one less thing for you to stress about.
Meeting Your Company’s Vendor Standards, Hassle-Free
As a property manager or building owner working with a fire watch company that is fully insured and approved by major platforms makes your job easier and safer. Professional fire watch companies carry comprehensive insurance to protect your building, tenants, and operations from liability. This coverage ensures you are shielded from risks if something goes wrong.
In addition, many fire watch companies, like ours, are approved vendors with experience working with platforms like Compliance Depot, RMIS, and Net Vendor. This means we meet the strict standards required by large property management companies, saving you time and ensuring compliance is seamless.
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Need service now?
Call 888-241-8183