When the need for fire watch arises, many businesses delegate the task to their maintenance team. Or they skip assigning monitoring if their fire suppression system will only be down for a few hours. Although we understand the need for fiscal responsibility, as the saying goes, “it’s better safe than sorry”. Below are 5 ways dispatching a certified fire watcher reduces your financial burden.

If your water or fire suppression system is down for more than 4 hours in a 24 hour period, you must begin fire monitoring at 4 hours. If your system is down for 10 hours in a 24 hour period, you must notify the Denver Fire Department through the System Down Reporting Website and apply for a firewatch permit. Once systems are up and running, your contractor must submit a NFPA 72 System Record of Completion for fire alarm systems and a NFPA 13 Material and Test Certificate for Fire Sprinkler Systems to verify that your systems are fully operational.

5 Ways a Certified Fire Watcher Saves You Money

1. Fire Department or OSHA Fines

The consequences and fines for violating fire code in Colorado vary greatly. Minor violations may incur an order to abate within a designated timeframe. Severe violations may come with a fine and/or court date. Most fines fall between $200 and $500 per violation, but can cost significantly more, especially for repeat violations and delayed compliance.

OSHA penalties can range from a warning to $16,131 per violation per day—and up to $161,323 for repeated or willful violations.

2. Business Closure

If a violation poses an immediate threat to life, safety, or property is found, the Fire Marshal has the authority to immediately shut down your business, building, or event, and evacuate tenants or guests. You can also be shut down if you don’t abate violations in the designated timeframe.

Each day you’re closed is detrimental to your business. If you’re a commercial or residential landlord, this may lead to additional financial repercussions, including lease violations and loss of tenants.

3. Loss of Assets

Loss may include inventory, equipment, property damage, and loss of life.  A certified fire watcher is trained in how to prevent, detect, and respond to fire. They inspect your fire extinguishers and other equipment, advise on where to place fire blankets and curtains, and discuss other strategies for reducing fire risk. Their proactive approach and swift response safeguard your building, property, equipment, and inventory. Most importantly, their role can be lifesaving. They fight small ignitions, implement evacuation, alert 911, and provide communication and support. Think beyond your business or building, as fire spreads.

Although your insurance policy may cover some of your losses, the claims process is lengthy, taking up to 3 years. Nationwide, 1 in 4 businesses never reopen after a disaster, as they can’t sustain the cost of rent, repairs, and labor while closed. 

4. Increased Insurance Premiums

If you’re able to sustain a fire, your insurance premium is likely to increase. For most, it increases by 10% to 20%, sometimes more. Shopping around is always an option, but you must disclose your previous claim, so expect higher premiums with all insurance companies. Transitioning to a higher deductible may reduce your monthly rates, but you’ll pay more out of pocket for future claims.

5. Liability

Your business can be held liable for injuries, death, or damages to employees, customers, first responders, and neighboring businesses, people, and property. This risk increases if you violate one or more Fire Codes. The legal fees can bury you, and the settlements can bankrupt your business.

So, even if you’re under the 4 hour window, hiring a fire watcher for a few hours has the potential to save lives, property, and money.

Also Read:

• Securing Fire Protection Services During Hot Work
• How to Choose a Fire Watch Company
• Deploying Certified Fire Watch Guards as Part of Your Fire Prevention Plan
• What Fire Hazards Require Fire Watch?
• Workplace Fire Safety: OSHA Fire Protection & Prevention Safety Training

Dispatch Scout Security As Your Fire Lookout

Scout Security’s team includes certified fire watch professionals in Colorado Springs and the Denver Metro Area. You can pre-schedule one or more team members during hot work, when your water or suppression systems are down, or any time a monitor is required for compliance. Or reach out 24/7 when emergency arises.

We can dispatch our team daily or as-needed to hotels, apartments, construction sites, factories, and businesses of any kind.

Reach out to learn more about how we can support your business, project, property, or upcoming event!