Emergency Response Preparation Of A Security Guard

Security guards perform a wide array of important services, among which minimizing the harmful impact of emergency situations is primary. In the modern world, we come across diverse emergency situations such as weapons, fires, and explosives such as bombs. However, the impact of an emergency varies from one situation to another.

Hence, given the nature of a security guard’s role, it is important that they know what emergency situations are, how to identify them, and what procedures to follow.

What Are Emergency Response Procedures?

Emergency response procedures are protocols that are established within an organization that specify what needs to be done when preparing and dealing with an emergency. These plans should be put together with the information available in hand with regard to possible emergency situations and their probable impacts. The emergency response procedures would also specify what training the guards should undergo, and what tools and equipment should be made available at the workplace.

Therefore, it is important that the security guards are clearly aware of the emergency response procedures in their workplaces so that they can immediately and effectively respond to unforeseen circumstances that may cause harm to lives and properties. 

What Does A Security Guard Do During An Emergency?

The employer or client has the power to decide the responsibilities of a Vancouver security guard in case of an emergency. For instance, in a scenario where the workplace alarm is triggered, some employers may request the security guards to inform the police authorities and supervisors and await their arrival, whereas others may request the guard to inquire into the situation and safeguard the perimeter. 

If there is a fire outbreak, some employers may deem that the fire watch security guard is responsible for alerting the fire department and other relevant authorities whereas the others may expect the security guard to direct the authorities to the scene, take part in the evacuation process, and control the crowd as well. 

Regardless, the security guard should be informed of his responsibilities prior to assuming duties at the workplace. 

How Do Security Guards Prevent And Detect Fire?

Security guards will be on the constant lookout for suspicious activities and items that could result in a fire outbreak. They do regular walkthroughs within the perimeter while keeping an eye for combustible substances in close vicinity to heat sources, sparks, and tell-tale signs of a fire. 

Moreover, they will also ensure that the emergency exits within the premises like hotels are accessible and not obstructed by unnecessary objects. In addition to this, it is their duty to make sure that all equipment that may come in handy during an emergency such as fire extinguishers and fire alarms are functional and up to date. 

Responding To Alarms

It is the responsibility of a security guard to respond to any alarms triggered on-site. Thus, it is important for them to be aware of alarm systems and their method of functioning. There are different types of alarm systems such as :

1. Infrared alarm systems that are capable of detecting movement in wide areas based on heat (IR) variations

2. Physical contact alarm systems that are triggered if the two parts of the alarm are disengaged (Such as when windows and doors are opened)

3. Photo-electric beam detectors that are triggered if the infrared or visible beam is broken (Such as when opening garage doors)

4. Vibration detectors that are activated if it detects motion through its minute sensors

5. Seismic alarm sensors that are capable of detecting physical shocks of particular frequency levels (Such as if a glass breaks)

6. Ultrasonic alarm sensors that detect movement based on bouncing sound waves that cannot be distinguished by humans (Capable of detecting the moment bats)

7. Microwave sensors that detect motion through bouncing microwaves

8. Electric fields sensors that are activated if they detect motion by measuring changes in amplitude through electric wires

9. Tripwire sensors are triggered if an object collides with the wire that is tightly strung

Although alarm systems such as infrared sensors are very popular in today’s world, the latter systems such as ultrasonic sensors and microwave sensors are used very rarely. 

When responding to alarms, the guard’s priority has to be on his own safety. During an alarm response, they are advised to continuously stay in touch with other guards on-site, the dispatcher, or a supervisor from the Vancouver security company.

If he witnesses the crime or finds evidence of one, the security guard should immediately inform the authorities and remove himself from the scene of the crime. If possible, the guard can observe the surroundings while maintaining a safe distance.

Security Guards And The Duty Of Care

The duty of care describes what a security guard needs to do in particular situations. Thus, security guards need to be aware of the duty of care and also be skilled and equipped to control and secure the workplace in case of an emergency, until the relevant authorities arrive.