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Introduction
A fire watch guard usually has one big job during a real emergency, which is to get people out safely. That is not something you want to figure out while the alarm is ringing. Knowing the steps ahead of time lets you stay calm and act fast. Here are the evacuation basics that every fire watch guard should have down before the shift starts.
When automated alarms or sprinklers are out of service, experienced Fire Watch Guards become the critical link between spotting a hazard and leading occupants to safety. Having trained personnel on-site ensures that evacuation routes are actively monitored, panic is kept to a minimum, and every person is guided out smoothly before smoke or flames can block their path.
Know the Building First
At the start of the shift, walk the building and learn where every exit is, including the ones that are not used much. Find the stairwells, the assembly point outside and the location of the fire alarm pull stations. Ask the manager for a copy of the floor plan and the emergency contact list. If the building has people who need extra help getting out, like a person in a wheelchair, find out where they usually are. Ten minutes of preparation can save a lot of confusion later.
Raising the Alarm
When you spot a fire or smoke, act in a clear order. Set off the alarm, call emergency services and then start getting people out. If the alarm system is the reason you are there, it may not work, so shout, use a whistle or a radio and knock on doors if you need to. When you call, say the address, what you see and where in the building it is. Stay on the line if they ask you to.
Guiding People Out
Speak in a calm, firm voice and tell people to leave now by the nearest safe exit. Do not let anyone use the elevator. Check restrooms, storage rooms and offices on the way if it is safe to do so, but never go into smoke or heat. Close doors behind you as you go, since that slows the spread of fire and smoke. Help anyone who is slow or scared, and keep the group moving. If someone refuses to leave, do not argue for long. Tell them once, clearly, and move on to the next person.
Gathering Outside
Once everyone is out, direct them to the assembly point, away from the building and out of the way of fire trucks. Try to count heads or check against a list if there is one. Tell the firefighters right away if anyone may still be inside and where they might be. Keep people from going back in, even to grab a bag. When it is all over, write down the time and what happened in the log.
Conclusion
Evacuation is a skill that gets better with practice. Learn the building, raise the alarm quickly, guide people calmly and make sure everyone is accounted for. If you know these steps by heart, you will be ready when it matters most.
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