6 Items Firewatch Patrol Officers Must Carry

We live in a modern world that keeps us safe from certain threats such as fire. Unfortunately, the equipment that keeps us safe can sometimes fail. For instance, a building’s fire alarm system an experience technical issues as can the sprinkler system. When this happens, fire watch officers must perform the duties of the malfunctioning equipment.  You can find other ways to know if you need firewatch here.  No matter what security company provides the fire watch service, all fire watch patrol officers must have the proper equipment.  A few weeks ago, we had a customer in Rockville, MD who was unclear of what fire watch patrols are supossed to carry with them.  Below you will find items that every fire watch should carry. 

This is one of the most important pieces of equipment for a fire watch patrol officer, because it allows a message to be communicated to the building occupants.  It can be difficult to talk above the sound of sirens and panicked people.  The bullhorn helps ensure everyone can hear the instructions. During an emergency, communicating the message is literally a matter of life or death, so every fire watch officer needs a bullhorn. 

Each firewatch patrol officer needs to keep detailed records of everything he or she saw during the shift. This information can potentially save lives and it also guides the officer on the next shift. It’s important for the officers to communicate with each other to prevent accidents and injuries.

sometimes, the lights are knocked out by the same emergency that disabled the fire equipment. Fire watch officers need to find their way through the darkness to check for threats, and flashlights make this task possible. 

The vest is important because it will reflect the light being cast by the other patrol officer’s flashlights. Reflective vests can also prevent collisions in narrow corridors and dark buildings.  The vests ensure that firewatch officers can be seen by reflecting light from flashlights in low light situations.   

An emergency that has disabled most of a building’s utilities might also disable the phone lines. The safety officer may also need to dial 911 in an instant. The precious seconds wasted searching for a land line can be potentially disastrous. 

These radios are necessary, because they can perform even in areas where there is no cell phone reception. Two-way radios can be adjusted to different to keep different teams of officers in contact with each other. 

A firewatch patrol officer without the proper equipment is like a table with no legs.  It will not work in the way you need it.  In addition to equipment there are other things to consider when selecting fire watch companies.  When speaking with firewatch companies be sure to ask about the equipment their officers carry.

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