Waking Watch Fire Safety: Protecting Vulnerable Care Home Residents

In December 2023, Circle UK Group was appointed by Orbis to deliver a comprehensive Waking Watch Fire Safety Service across three fully operational care homes in Sheffield and Chester. This critical project was commissioned to safeguard vulnerable residents during the phased installation of permanent fire safety systems on behalf of Your Housing Group.

Operating within live care environments, the Circle UK team was tasked with ensuring continuous fire risk mitigation and life safety without disrupting the daily care, dignity, or comfort of residents.

Objectives

The core objective of the project was to provide a proactive waking watch solution that ensured immediate safety and supported long-term fire protection strategies. Key aims included:

• Delivering continuous on-site patrols to identify and address potential fire risks.

• Enabling rapid emergency response and supporting structured evacuation procedures.

• Working closely with care home staff to safeguard residents with complex needs.

• Maintaining compliance with fire safety regulations throughout system upgrades.

Scope of Services

Circle UK Group provided a fully tailored fire safety service designed specifically for sensitive residential care environments. The service package included:

• Regular patrols of high-risk areas to identify fire hazards at the earliest stage.

• Alarm response and incident escalation protocols coordinated with on-site teams.

• Evacuation support, including the implementation of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs).

• Provision and use of evacuation chairs and specialist mobility support equipment.

• Active collaboration with care home staff and emergency services to enhance preparedness.

Challenges and Solutions

Delivering continuous fire safety within active care facilities required a highly coordinated and sensitive approach. Circle UK Group addressed several key challenges:

1. Supporting Vulnerable and Mobility-Impaired Residents

Evacuating non-verbal, elderly, or mobility-restricted individuals required advanced training and meticulous planning. Our officers received specialist PEEP training and were equipped with appropriate evacuation equipment, ensuring all residents could be safely and compassionately assisted.

2. Balancing Safety with Daily Operations

The service had to be delivered without interrupting the day-to-day care of residents. Circle UK achieved this by deploying discreet patrols, aligning operational activities with care schedules, and maintaining close communication with care staff.

3. Ensuring Rapid Emergency Response

A high level of readiness was essential given the unpredictable nature of fire risks. Regular fire drills, simulated evacuation exercises, and joint training sessions with local fire services ensured teams were fully prepared to respond swiftly and effectively.

Outcomes and Impact

Through proactive planning, professional service delivery, and a resident-focused approach, Circle UK Group has delivered tangible outcomes, including:

• Continuous fire safety protection for vulnerable residents throughout the project.

• Zero disruption to the daily operation of care facilities.

• Enhanced evacuation procedures tailored to individual needs.

• Improved collaboration and coordination with care staff and emergency services.

The result has been uninterrupted life safety assurance, compliance with statutory fire safety obligations, and peace of mind for residents, their families, and staff.

Why Circle UK Group

This project demonstrates Circle UK Group’s expertise in delivering bespoke safety solutions in sensitive and high-risk environments. By combining advanced fire safety protocols with a compassionate, human-centred approach, Circle UK ensures that even the most vulnerable individuals are protected — meeting regulatory standards while prioritising dignity and care.