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2nd September 2026
Would the people patrolling your building at 3 a.m. know exactly what to do if they detected smoke?
That is the question you need to ask yourself before discovering—too late—that the team was not prepared.
A waking watch is a team that continuously patrols a building to detect fires and alert residents. It is put in place when there is an elevated risk, such as inoperative alarms or sprinklers, combustible cladding, or while permanent safety measures are being installed.
Their personnel may be responsible for calling the fire and rescue service, and helping to initiate an evacuation—all within minutes.
The decision to hire this service rests with the Responsible Person, usually the building owner or manager, based on the recommendation of a fire safety specialist.
This means that this type of service is often commissioned under pressure, following an unforeseen incident, or before those responsible have had time to plan financially. However, even in these circumstances, providers’ prices and availability should be neither the only nor the main deciding factors.
Before signing a contract, ask the following questions to establish whether the provider is competent, properly resourced, and capable of protecting every resident.
The need for a waking watch should be confirmed by an up-to-date fire risk assessment. It may be required when:
A waking watch should be a temporary measure, supported by documented justification, and reviewed regularly.
Experience is always desirable in any field, but it is even more important in the safety sector, as lives are at stake. Ask the prospective provider for examples of services delivered in constructions and structures similar to yours, considering their height, layout, occupancy, cladding or compartmentation defects, and evacuation arrangements. Also request references from building owners or managing agents.
The provider should demonstrate experience of residential fire safety and simultaneous evacuation, rather than relying solely on general guarding or concierge expertise.
There is no universal staffing ratio suitable for every building. The provider should explain how it will ensure that every resident can be warned before fire or smoke compromises the escape routes.
Ask:
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the UK body responsible for setting fire safety standards, does not prescribe one specific waking-watch qualification. Providers should instead show that personnel are trained for their actual responsibilities and for the particular building.
Instruction should cover fire detection, alarm-raising, escape routes, fire doors, reporting hazards, and assisting with any relevant evacuation arrangements. Ask to see training records, refresher-training schedules, competency assessments, and evidence of appropriate staff vetting.
Generic training is insufficient. Before beginning duty, every team member should understand:
Ask how the provider will support residents with mobility, sensory, or cognitive impairments. Personnel may need to use visual, vibrating, or other warning methods where an audible alarm is insufficient.
The provider should describe exactly what happens when fire or smoke is discovered: who calls 999, how team members communicate, how residents are warned, and who meets the attending rescue service.
Radios should work throughout every patrol area, with contingency arrangements for equipment or power failure. Ask for evidence that alarm devices can be heard—or perceived somehow—inside every relevant flat, including at night.
Request details of management visits, unannounced inspections, shift handovers, and quality-assurance checks. Patrol records should show who was on duty, patrol times, routes completed, defects found, and actions taken.
Require an itemised quotation covering staffing, supervision, equipment, mobilisation, replacement personnel, reporting, and VAT. Clarify minimum contract periods, notice provisions, and charges for schedule changes. Compare the cumulative cost with alternatives such as a common fire-alarm system.
A credible provider should help the building reduce its dependence on the service. Ask how staffing will be reviewed as risks change and what evidence will be needed before reducing or removing the watch.
Temporary measures should only change following review by a competent person, an updated risk assessment, communication with residents, and notification to the local fire and rescue service where appropriate.
Stage Security provides 24/7 waking watch cover tailored to each building’s layout and fire risk considerations. Trained officers patrol communal areas and escape routes, monitoring for smoke, heat, obstructions, and unsafe conditions.
If a hazard arises, they provide immediate escalation, support site-specific evacuation procedures, and liaise with emergency services where required. Clear patrol records, incident reporting, and support from an experienced in-house management team provide clients with consistent oversight while reassuring residents through a professional, visible presence.
With 25 years of experience and teams positioned throughout East Anglia, Stage Security can respond quickly and provide dependable support when every second counts. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and request a free, no-obligation quotation.
What our clients say about us
As a leading regional 24/7 security provider, we ensure every member of our team is fully SIA-licensed, highly trained, and prepared to deliver the highest standards of protection. Our commitment to robust quality processes ensures our clients benefit from consistent, reliable, and professional service at all times.
As a local security company, we take pride in offering a personalised approach backed by industry-leading standards. We work closely with each client to understand their needs, ensuring our solutions are tailored, effective, and delivered with care.
Our reliability, integrity, and meticulous planning make us one of the region’s most trusted security providers, being well-equipped to meet your requirements and safeguard your business and assets.
"Stage took the time to understand our business requirements and plans for growth. It was clear that they were the best security provider to partner with our business as we looked to expand in the UK and region of Suffolk. The services Stage has delivered to our business since the start of 2022 have helped ensure our site, staff and property is always protected."
— Sheng Li, FDS Corporation
"We have used Stage security since the beginning of 2022 and have found them to be personable and responsive to our questions and needs regarding a broad range of events. Offering appropriate security personnel to suit each event is key to us, and the team at Stage have always delivered."
— Jonathan Senior, Wherstead Park
"We have been working with Stage Security for a few years now and have always found their service to be very reliable and professional. We would certainly recommend them to other clients."
— Josie Stone, Beyond the Box Student
"The guys were amazing! Super friendly, fully capable, and highly visual. They took onboard our specific instructions, and we're nice to all that attended. Everyone at the event was very complimentary of the guys. I've recommended stage to several people based on this experience already."
— Councillor Ruman Muhith, Ipswich Borough Council
"We are very pleased with the level of service provided and look forward to continuing our partnership with them moving forward."
— Elmstead Place, Yugo
"Stage Security has been an invaluable partner in safeguarding our Ipswich office. Their professionalism and prompt response times consistently reassure us and allow us to focus on our core operations. Since partnering with Stage, we’ve seen a marked improvement in service quality and reliability. We confidently recommend them as a trusted, first-choice security provider."
— Birketts LLP
"I wanted to pass on a compliment for the security team working at the Regent on the 27th Feb: Another amazing security team- Allen, Kelly and Keira. They were proactive at the start helping to hand out wristbands to customers and putting smiles on people’s faces. Great customer service!"
— House Manager, Ipswich Regent Theatre
"Thank you to your two guys who were patrolling Christchurch Park today. They were very friendly and approachable. They took time to speak to the young people who were enjoying being in the park. As a parent it is very reassuring that they are in the park, and if there is any problems people know that they can approach them and they are there to help!"
— Lisa Cooper
"May I take this opportunity to say thank you, it has been a pleasure dealing with you and the company. Also, we all wanted to pass on our personal thanks to David who was such a nice person and he did such a good job giving us such peace of mind (and a much needed break every night after such long days!)."
— Katrina Robertson, Whitton Parish
"Kieran was the best front-of-house SIA security staff member we have worked with for years. He was attentive in what was going on, helpful and approachable with the customers. The little jobs I often have to remind staff to do just happened without prompt, he wasn't in a rush to leave for his later job, and he wasn't constantly on his phone in front of the customers."
— Shaun Whymark, Ipswich Regent Theatre
"I would like to thank Adam Howes and his team for their work and support at Suffolk Pride 2019. They brought their professional expertise and clear understanding of our needs to our event. They understood and delivered our objectives for the day in a proficient and skilled manner whilst carrying out their role."
— Suffolk Pride
"Thank you and to your team so much for Wednesday. You really were superstars and I can’t thank you enough for all your help and support. From the word 'go' you were all so professional and just got on doing what you do best."
— Sarah Shinnie, Suffolk District Council
"A very big thank you to you and your staff for a successful event (Stowmarket Christmas Fayre) that was held yesterday (28th Nov 2021). Your staff were exemplary, actively engaging with members of the public, reinforcing the road closure and also alerting myself and other Town Council staff to potential issues of concern. Thank you once again."
— Michael Marriott, Stowmarket Town Council
"I wanted to say a big thank you and well done to the security who worked here last night, especially Steph and Karl. We had a first aid incident which involved a lady fainting. Steph was very quickly on the scene and took a lot of control of what was happening."
— Mark Wright, Operations Manager, The Apex
"I wanted to write to say how brilliant your two security guards were at the school ball. They were the best we have had. They were friendly and professional, worked the whole time and were very observant with regards to the behaviour of our students; they were proactive about stepping in when required."
— Mrs Isobel Tyndale-Brown, Woodbridge School
"We held a music festival at our Holiday Park for over 3000 people, guests and owners. Hiring Stage Security was a simple process, from start to finish with professional care and regular communication throughout the whole preparation time before the event."
— Kelly Evans, The Orchards Holiday Village
