First Choice Homes

Waking Watch

First Choice Homes (FCHO) is a dedicated housing association with the primary goal of supporting local communities. Founded with a commitment to providing quality homes and exceptional support services, FCHO strives to foster thriving and independent communities in Oldham and beyond.

Alex Swift

Fire Safety Manager

“Prime have provided a valuable service at a time while the building safety is compromised ensuing that our residents feel safe knowing that their blocks are been regularly inspected evidenced by the visible on site presence. The management and operation teams are professional and quick to react to any issues, picking up any fire safety concerns that are identified during their patrols”.

The Challenge

First Choice Homes (FCHO) faced a critical safety challenge involving six buildings with cladding that did not meet the required standards. The residential blocks lacked a communal fire alarm system, and alarms were compartmentalised within each flat. Compounded by the absence of a communal fire alarm, the buildings required a waking watch due to ongoing examination of external wall structures and cavities. With nine residential blocks at stake, the challenge was to ensure the safety of residents during this period of heightened risk, whilst the properties underwent work to rectify the fire safety issues.

The Solution

To address this challenge, our team implemented a comprehensive waking watch service. In the event of a fire, the waking watch team would initiate a simultaneous evacuation of the affected block. The goal was to ensure that from the discovery of a fire to the awareness of all affected residents, no more than 15 minutes would elapse. Equipped with a 2-way radio, air horn, torch, and whistle, the waking watch team would use these tools along with door banging and vocal alerts to rouse residents.

The waking watch comprised a two-person team, with a designated responsible person who, upon discovering a fire, would promptly call emergency services and convey the presence of a waking watch. Simultaneously, the other team member would initiate evacuation procedures. The designated team leader would liaise with the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) upon their arrival, providing all necessary information to expedite firefighting efforts.

Additionally, the waking watch conducted hourly external patrols, ensuring the scanning of NFC Tag Points and inspecting the buildings for signs of fire at and above ground floor level. The external patrol aimed to identify any hazards that could impede firefighting operations or the full evacuation of the property.

The Outcome

By implementing the waking watch service, we successfully ensured the safety of residents at First Choice Homes. The proactive measures, including the prompt evacuation procedures and regular patrols, contributed to a heightened level of preparedness. This initiative not only addressed the immediate safety concerns but also established a robust framework for ongoing monitoring and response, exemplifying our commitment to the well-being of the communities we serve.