When a building’s fire alarm or sprinkler system stops working, the property is not allowed to simply carry on as normal. Florida adopts the Florida Fire Prevention Code, which includes NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code. Under those rules, the building owner must notify the fire department and either evacuate or provide an approved fire watch until the system is restored.
When a fire watch is typically required
Under NFPA 101, a fire watch or evacuation is generally required when a fire alarm system is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period, or a sprinkler system is out of service for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period. The local fire marshal, the authority having jurisdiction, makes the final call and can require a fire watch sooner.
What a fire watch officer does
- Patrols the entire affected area on a set schedule, looking for smoke, fire or hazards
- Keeps exits and fire lanes clear
- Knows how to call the fire department and alert occupants if there is a fire
- Keeps a written log of every patrol round, which the fire marshal may ask to see
Common situations that trigger a fire watch
- Alarm panel failure or a system being replaced
- Sprinkler repairs or a broken main
- Construction or renovation work that impairs the system
- Hot work, such as welding, near combustible materials
How fast can you get coverage?
Fire watch needs often come up with no warning. Truman Security can staff fire watch officers for condos, hotels, offices, warehouses and construction sites across Miami-Dade and Broward, and keep the post covered 24 hours a day until your system is back online.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Always follow the instructions of your local fire marshal.
Truman Security is a Florida Class B licensed security agency (B1300316) serving Miami-Dade and Broward. Call (305) 647-3122 or request a free quote.
