How Can Security Officers Assist with Fire Prevention and Fighting?
The security team is the frontline in detecting fires when they occur, and they must have a reliable and effective fire prevention and firefighting protocol.
Some tasks that security officers need to perform for fire prevention and safety include:
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Keeping hallways clear: Any hallways used for evacuation must be kept unobstructed and free of barriers. It is also essential to ensure that no flammable materials are stored there to prevent fire from reaching escape routes.
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Ensuring safe storage of flammable materials: Security officers will make every effort to ensure that any flammable or combustible materials are stored properly and away from potential sources of ignition.
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Maintaining access to emergency exits: It is crucial to keep all emergency exits clear and accessible from both sides of the door in case of an emergency.
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Checking the condition of fire extinguishers: Security officers should pay attention to the condition of fire extinguishers at their assigned site. Any equipment found to be non-functional must be reported to the appropriate departments for repair or replacement.
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Checking the condition of fire alarm systems: Security Officers are advised to check whether fire alarms function properly. This ensures that the devices operate as intended in the event of a fire emergency.
What If a Fire Emergency Occurs?
Prevention goes a long way toward avoiding emergencies, but there are situations beyond our control. So, what role do security officers play once a fire has already started in a building?
Some tasks security personnel may need to perform during a fire incident include:
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Activating the fire alarm system if it has not already been triggered.
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Calling 113, 114, or 115 to reach the emergency call center and confirm the fire with the authorities.
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If working at a site with many customers, officers may need to initiate the evacuation plan. They may also need to help control the crowd once evacuation is underway.
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Guiding and assisting emergency services to the fire site if it’s not clearly visible from the outside.
The most important objective is to protect the people and assets at the site. A professional, well-trained security guard will help ensure that this happens.
