Fire Alarm Response
Fire Alarm Response
Security guards respond to various types of alarms, and should have a basic understanding of the principles of protective and fire alarm systems that they are likely to encounter.
There are several types of alarm systems you may encounter: ****
- Infrared (most common) – Detects motion in large areas by picking up infrared (heat) changes
- Physical Contact – Detects a door or window being opened when the two parts of a sensor are separated
- Photo-Electric beams – Detects a visible or infrared beam being broken, such as a garage door
- Seismic – Detects physical shocks in certain frequency ranges, such as glass breaking
- Vibration – Detects movement using very sensitive sensors mounted on fences or other structures
- Ultrasonic (rare) – Detects motion using bouncing sound waves we can’t hear
- Microwave (rare) – Detects motion using bouncing microwaves
- Electric Fields (rare) – Detects presence using electrical wires, measuring changes in amplitude
- Trip Wires (rare) – Detects intrusion when someone physically bumps a tightly strung wire
During an alarm response, security guards should remain in contact with the dispatcher, a supervisor, or another guards when possible.
The guards own safety is the priority. If a crime is witnessed or confirmed from the findings, the guard should call police immediately.
What should a Security Guard do when they have received an Intrusion alarm call?
Notify a supervisor
Find a secure location in order to maintain observation of the premises while determining if a prohibited act is in progress
Do not attempt to enter the premise if you think its not safe.
If available, request backup
Request that police be notified
Brief the police with info you have.
Pay special attention to the area for the remainder of your shift.
