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Emergency Planning

Your organization has unique needs and has to be prepared for a variety of emergencies. From day one we work with you every step of the way. Following a thorough assessment and comprehensive analysis, we provide you with an action plan.

Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)

We create COOPs that document how your organization will perform essential operations during an emergency situation or long-term disruption, which might last from 2 days to several weeks. The plan will identify mission-critical functions, communication methods, and alternate personnel, systems and locations. There are certain key planning principles we use when writing your organization's COOP:

▪ Essential Functions – The focus of the COOP is on essential functions, not particular people. Essential functions and those who can fulfill those functions will change, depending on the situation.
▪ Nothing New – The functions of an organization do not change in a COOP; organizations not normally responsible for food, shelter, security, etc. do not need to plan to assume those responsibilities.
▪ Planning – The planning process is the most important aspect of the COOP, even more so than the final product.
▪ Decision Making – The plan will not cover all contingencies. However, our expert planning will allow for good decision making in the midst of a crisis.

How is a COOP Different from an Emergency Action Plan?
Emergency Action Plans are building-specific, short-term plans that details how occupants should evacuate or shelter-in-place, what type of fire alarm systems are present, and where to assemble if the building is evacuated. COOPs detail how an organization would provide essential services and continue to function in an extended emergency event or disruption.

Fire Watch Services

Fire watch services are on-site safety functions performed by our team of off-duty firefighters. Fire watch guards help minimize damage in the event a fire does break out, but are not there to put out fires. Services include:

▪ Patrolling – We perform patrols at regular intervals during shifts that cover the facility 24/7 and throughout the year.
▪ Identifying Hazards – We look for conditions that increase fire risk so that they can be addressed before a problem arises.
▪ Keeping Logs – We keep thorough records of patrols and any information relevant to fire risk, such as any hazards encountered. Logs are often required by the authorities and by insurance companies.
▪ Checking Equipment – Our trained fire watch guard will check the condition and functionality of any alarms, fire extinguishers and sprinklers on-site.
▪ Contacting the Fire Department – If a fire does break out, our fire watch guard will contact the fire department and provide all relevant information.

When is a fire watch guard needed?
Preventing a fire can mean avoiding loss of life, damage to property, and minimizing liability. It may be necessary to call upon the services of a fire watch guard in any of the following circumstances:
▪ Construction Site – There are numerous fire hazards on construction sites, especially when the buildings contain wood framing. Many local governments require a fire watch guard on site continuously until the construction is complete and a certificate of occupancy is in hand. Compliance also cuts down on fines and down-time.
▪ Non-Functioning Alarm System – Whether a commercial property has not yet had a fire alarm system installed or it is being repaired or replaced, local ordinances may require a watch guard on the premises until the system is fulling functioning.
▪ Water Supply is Interrupted – If the property relies on a sprinkler system, disruption to the water supply will prevent its effectiveness. A fire watch guard may be necessary to protect the property and occupants until service is restored.
▪ Presence of Extreme Fire Hazards – Activities such as storing chemicals can drastically increase the likelihood of a fire. A fire watch guard is trained to minimize danger in these situations.