Another block of flats with a ‘Waking Watch’. I have known some blocks of flats to have had these for up to two years. Basically it’s fire wardens constantly walking up and down the stairs and throughout the communal areas to monitor for any signs of fire and speed up a fire evacuation. They are massively expensive and some residents are up in arms about the costs. I think there are more cost effective solutions that can be considered. The safety of residents has to come first of course and that should never be compromised but I think we need to look at this building by building and consider a whole range of issues and alternatives. I have actually heard of incidents where members of a ‘Waking Watch’ have increased the fire risk by smoking and disposing of cigarette ends close to the perimeter of the building. You would be surprised. This is not always the right solution.
Waddon residents fear for safety after 24/7 fire watch installed in buildings
