Support Community Safety: Join Fire Watch

Increasing our efforts to keep the University community safe, the Fire Watch program has been developed to support University buildings during infrequent times when fire protection systems are compromised. Faculty and staff are invited and needed to serve in these roles as they arise.

What is Fire Watch?

University buildings are protected by a network of fire protection systems that detect, alarm and suppress fires. They also communicate directly with the University Police Communications Center, who monitor the systems. There are certain times when the systems require maintenance or repair, and portions of the system are temporarily taken offline. University employees who have completed the short training are called to support the fire protection system during these infrequent down times. Trained faculty and staff work with University Police to monitor the building’s system and/or patrol the area until the system issue is resolved. If a need arises, the trained Fire Watch individual calls University Police to respond.

How Does Fire Watch Work?

Interested employees register for a short training course provided by the Environmental Health and Safety Office and are placed on a call list. When a need arises, a call first goes out to all employees on the list who have indicated they may be available for that specific time slot, then to the general list if necessary.

Upon arrival on campus, you will be given directions as to where to go and what is needed.

This is not a volunteer position. Non-exempt staff will submit their fire watch hours on a separate timecard. Fire watch hours must be included when calculating overtime.

Exempt staff will be paid $20.00 per hour.