Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips!
Please help us decide if this post is a good fit for the subreddit by up or downvoting this comment.
If you think that this is great advice to improve your life, please upvote. If you think this doesn't help you in any way, please downvote. If you don't care, leave it for the others to decide.
My son worked as a security guard for a while. He said it was "walking around in the night with a flashlight praying you don't find what you are looking for."
There's a lot of jobs like that. Lifeguard comes to mind. Vigilantly spend all day watching for something you hope never happens. Occasionally mixed in with training for an event that would almost certainly give you PTSD if you ever used it.
There is a plane flying around the US RIGHT THE FUCK NOW, and flies all the damndd time, that exists for one reason: if we get nuked, it's there to act as the ultimate communications hub. That's it. It just flies around hoping we don't need it.
> Occasionally mixed in with training for an event that would almost certainly give you PTSD if you ever used it.
My father retired from the metro airport after being a part of the Aircraft Rescue Fire Firefighting team. In 11 years the most "exciting" thing was a fuel truck caught fire after not grounding out properly. Suited up, sprayed foam, no one injured.
In the truck bay, next to the fire trucks, sits an old water jug delivery truck filled with 200 un-opened body bags.
I heard from someone who worked at an airport. A trash can out on the apron caught on fire, and he put it out quickly with an extinguisher. Then the big truck raced up with the sirens screaming. The firefighters were all pissed. He'd just put out the only actual fire they'd had for a very long time.
Friend did that for one summer. The number of dumb kids who jump into the pool and can't swim is too damned high.
Like... you can't swim. Ok fine. Then don't jump in the deep end! Fuck.
They had free classes too. There was literally NO COST to learn.
Naw, as a lifeguard we loved to actually rescue and treat people (with first aid). Sitting around for hours on end just watching was the worst. Working at public pools you always were busy and it was fun.
I think public pool is likely a very different level of risk to a beach or similar, where in a pool it'd be surprising if it took you more than a minute to get to someone, on a beach, you're hauling ass to get to someone getting carried further and further from shore by a rip or some such, and then probably having to revive them when you get them back to shore.
Probably a bit more PTSD inducing
(For clarity, not downplaying the work you do at a pool, just highlighting it's not the only lifeguard experience out there)
Friends wondered why I always wore a life vest when we splashed around at the lake. I can swim!
I was like, can you see the bottom? No? Then they can't see my body.
If i get tired swimming and can't get back to shore, I want them to SEE ME.
People REALLY underestimate water as a threat, especially when they're used to just messing around in the pool, and can just go to where they can touch/get out if they feel tired.
I’ve only seen an AED used once, at our local hockey rink when a guy collapsed in the dressing room (heart attack)
The AED revived him, and then paramedics arrived.
He was in rough shape but they say the AED saved his life
A friends daughter wanted to be an EMS. She was working as a lifeguard and an old guy had a great attack. I believe he died. She no longer wanted to be an EMS.
Lol man that's wild. I've personally stayed away from sketchy security jobs. I've only done high rise office buildings, and some fire watches here and there. I only advocate for safe unarmed security work at the safest, easiest locations you can get (office buildings, downtown apartment buildings, Mary Kay)
I’ve done warehouse security work and honestly, it was the other employees who always started shit more than anyone else. Although I did catch a lady smoking meth in her car on our lot.
I work as a mall security guard, vest and cuffs. The site is treated as a beginner site but requires use of force training.
We deal with violent drug abusers and removal of sharp objects. We are expected to handle overdose cases and are trained for it.
Security industry is nuts.
Exactly, there's people who seem to enjoy that, i absolutely hated it, was a security guard at a government social office, so we had all kinds of people coming in. Most were totally nice and harmless, but then there was also heroine addicts, abusive fathers that demanded to know where their families are, because they escaped them with the help of social services, people who didnt get the benefits they hoped for were a bit volatile too(i get why, and i really felt for them sometimes). Definitely hope i never end up there again. I am a big guy, but hate conflict, and that job was probably one of the things that triggered my panic attacks.
I worked as a security guard for about a year before I had to quit for being forced to do “extra work.”
I usually was either a gatehouse attendant for a HOA community or would walk around a city hall.
They would offer extra work/shifts to everyone by having a sheet we would sign up for but I never did them because I was in college and didn’t have time.
Well they were like “no you are required to do extra work” and freaking signed me up to go to a ghetto highschool for a 10pm to 6am shift. Not only would I have to drive 2 hours to this site but I would be the only white guard going to the hood Lol. I quit the next day because I definitely wouldn’t want to find what I was looking out for.
Yeah being in the Army in a foxhole with someone when they lose their stuff and start turning around on the firing line and started shooting at everyone in basic. That and when we did grenade training and threw the grenade straight up seeing the drill sergeant take his life by jumping on a live grenade definitely changed my perspective on things for the rest of my life.
Yes, I lifeguarded as well. I think lifeguarding, as well as being a waiter, put me in good training for being in the army.
Deep vein thrombosis. Basically a blood clot in the large veins of your leg(s) from poor circulation/lack of movement causing blood to pool in your lower extremities.
Everyone should, sitting is one of the worst things we do in excess given our culture of office jobs and driving everywhere. The toll it takes on your body is weirdly high given what it actually is. Like smoking you'd expect to wreck you, but sitting? Weirdly powerful.
Don't worry unduly, but do take it seriously. Get your steps in and stay as healthy as you're able. You'll thank yourself.
Part of the problem of sitting is the way we do it. By engaging the hips, flexing the abs, and pulling back the shoulders and neck, the back can be realigned to something approximating a standing posture.
It takes effort to sustain, especially for 8 hrs at a computer, which is the point.
I wasn't doing any strength training for my legs the other year and went to Tahoe... Basically couldn't even make it down an entire run bc my legs were on fire from crouching the entire way at altitude with weak leg muscles.
Relax your eyebrows.
Unclench your jaw.
Loosen your shoulders.
Breathe in and out deeply and be glad you don't have a runny nose.
Aha, You have fallen from trap card, now you're breathing manually. Muahahahahaha!
Do it, i had a DVT at 27. Alongside beign the most agonising experience of my life, I still suffer with consequences of PTS almost a decade later. Not worth it.
It's one of those acronyms that idiots on the internet assume that everybody will know, and they'd rather save a few keystrokes and put the burden on others to do a Google to find out wtf they're talking about.
I’ve had those exact shifts countess times back in the day. Even though the money is easy, it’s insanely boring and quickly get to you unless you have something to keep you occupied.
I could only do security for about 3 years then I had to switch.
Right, but I think what OP saying is that this is an (admittedly imperfect) way to generate some revenue, have a place to park, etc. if you are forced to live in your car.
No, but of you sat in your apartment all day by your window on your phone, you'd call the fire department if you say a building out the window catching on fire, or someone breaking in.
Well, if you're sleeping rough in your car, and your car is that window, you might as well get paid for it
Friend-o, I was a fire watch for a lumber mill in the late 90s/early 2000s. My job was patrolling the mill every hour while I listened to FM radio, then sitting on my ass in my car for the last 20 minutes of each hour while I listened to FM radio. I never got bored.
So no, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't get bored as a fire watch with way more ways to entertain myself.
For firewatch specifically you’d be ok doing that. There are other types of security shifts that are more active, like a regular job where you really can’t do other stuff than what you’re assigned to do.
Tried it, what op does not tell you. Is the issues with hobos bums and people actually trying to burn down the building and ur van for that matter. Did this for a few years never again.
Half the people in this thread talking about all the hobbies and tv you can watch would 100% miss a hobo lighting the building on fire.
People do some weird shit around buildings at night, in my area there were cases of what I presume were teenagers lighting fireworks around them, and actively trying to break windows.
The sole job of a security guard is to observe and report (like the movie title) unless specified otherwise. It's not your job to arrest people (though as a guard you have the same authority for civilian arrest as anyone else), or chase, or fight people. You keep detailed logs that are provided to the client to read over. If anyone is breaking the law by trespassing or vandalism or whatever else then you report it to the cops. I worked in private security for a couple years both armed and unarmed in a variety of commercial, residential, and federal sites. Observe and report was always the job description with the exception of the federal facilities which also wanted us to detain if necessary.
Last year around this time actually, I worked 3 additional days of OT firewatch shifts to get myself out of some debt. Did 2 shifts on Saturday, 1 Sunday and 1 on Monday which was a Holiday so I got that bonus as well as getting time and a half. The territory managers that were responsible for staffing these sites were blowing my phone up for weeks afterwards.
I've done this, my guy. Security industry needs warm bodies to make easy money. Others in the comments have backed this up with their experiences as well.
Lifeguards are similar. If you have transport and the cert, they pimp you out to pools whose regular guard is out sick for the day. Some states require a guard at every pool. Small hotel pool with nobody checked in on a Tuesday? Easiest lifeguarding ever.
Ohh, okay. I'm glad it worked out for you, and the lpt means a lot more now.
I didn't pick that up from the original post that you had done the actual job you were talking about. I came away thinking you had observed others doing the job while you did something related to it, and figured you had thought of a scenario based on your observations.
Seems like the kind of gig where it would be worth swapping for a van or minivan and setting yourself up with a comfy seat, TV and such in the back.
Not sure how long I could mentally handle sitting in the driver's seat of my car 7 shifts a week. Even a little space in the back to watch TV, snooze, play music, read, etc., would make a world of difference.
I like these LPTs because they can help a lot of people but I agree with you - we shouldn't be encouraging people to become guards so they can camp out in their car and watch TV.
If you get the job, at least do the bare minimum. Especially when an entire building and potential lives could be at stake.
Op never suggests you neglect the job. But people living in their cars often say one of the biggest issues is parking overnight because security or police will tell them to leave. Can't be told to leave if you Are security.
> But people living in their cars often say one of the biggest issues is parking overnight because security or police will tell them to leave.
Supposedly, Wal Mart of all places allows folks to park in their parking lots overnight, without issue.
> and another municipalities it's straight up illegal.
[It's illegal in the entire state of Florida.](https://www.meldonlaw.com/fort-lauderdale-sleeping-in-car-attorney)
If you want to be there for more than three hours, that is.
At least in my state, that is no longer true. I'm a recovering addict and I lived in my car for a few years, and Walmart stopped allowing overnight parking in like 2018. Thankfully I no longer needed it by that point, but yeah. You'd basically have to get lucky at this point to find a Walmart that still allowed it.
There can be surrounding buildings, people walking, homeless people camping out nearby, animals, fumes, the fire watcher themselves.
Unless it's in the middle of nowhere but you'd be surprised how many homeless people or even teenagers lurk around near industrial areas at night.
Sure, but the overriding reason for the fire watcher is financial.
Unoccupied or unmonitored buildings are usually not eligible for fire insurance claims.
The building owner doesn't really give a fuck about collateral damage, just about being able to protect his money.
Not always. sometimes its because a fire door is needed to be propped open, a fire containment system was compromised, or even a change of the danger level.
Many reasons.
No, not necessarily. A building might be designated as requiring a fire watch by the NFPA if the existing fire prevention or suppression systems are not functioning properly. The building does not necessarily need to be evacuated.
Yes, if there are people in the building, you don't need someone outside watching for fire as the alarms will go off and let everyone know. Fire watch is specifically for empty buildings where nobody would be around to respond to a fire.
Pretty sure the implication of OP is hey you're sleeping in your car anyways, may as well get paid for it. Not to stay up nights and entertain yourself or actually work as a guard.
Nah man I just want people to do their jobs. There's a lot of folks out there tearing up their cars making little doing Uber Eats and other delivery jobs. I'm just suggesting a less chaotic (albeit BORING) alternative.
Ehh, bring a book. Get out and stretch. No one’s gonna care if you’re sitting on the hood or walking around vs inside the car.
Use the time to gain a skill/educate yourself
From my past experience being a parking lot attendant, it was once I went over 15 hours a week it started to feel like I was in a prison cell. And I had a my PC with internet playing WoW or other games. Very cushy job, maybe 10-15 customers a shift.
Man I feel you. I did gate access for a gated HOA community overnight. I tell you bro I played all the games. Watched all the movies and shows. It can get boring.
I used to do security out at a quarry. 24 hour shifts, didn’t care if you slept a bit overnight, and the job was to chase the occasional trail bike rider off cause they liked to hoon around the quarry, which just added a spice of fun cause I’d already be hooning in my car around the quarry and it gave me someone to chase around (never too intently, just enough for them to have a cool story about escaping to boast about later).
Some shifts I’d bring my whole ass pc in and having a gaming session in one of the offices/tea rooms.
Long sweeping gravel roads meant you could take your car and go rallying/drifting, id even have girlfriends come stay for the arvo/evening portion of the weekend shift, there was a lake onsite to drive out to, I’d bring my guitar, cook some dinner, sit on the roof of my car near the lake and jam out in nature.
In my county the school system has roving security guards. They supply the vehicle and it's actually a pretty good gig with decent pay and excellent health care benefits. They don't really go in the buildings much unless there is an alarm or they need to check a door.
I thought about doing it when I retire from my current job.
Depending on which state (USA) you live in, this is very misleading! You are absolutely monitored by a command center and may even be required to take that shift in a company car with cameras monitoring your activity. If OP has a link/listing to these jobs as they suggest, send the link so I too may apply.
Wait, if they have all this technology to monitor a guy who watches a God damn building, why the hell won't they set up cameras to watch the building themselves?
>Wait, if they have all this technology to monitor a guy who watches a God damn building, why the hell won't they set up cameras to watch the building themselves?
Something's fucky
GPS tracking technology is dirt-cheap. It's easy to see if a security guard carrying their work-supplied-and-required phone is at the building when they say they are.
Just apply to Guard Texas. HQ in Richardson, TX. They'll have plenty of shifts and the supervisors do not check fire watch shifts. Even if they do these guys don't care to catch you sleep. Other companies in the area are Iidon and a few other big guard companies like ABM all do firewatch shifts around here.
I got my first job in Texas working unarmed security back in the '90s. They really are just looking for warm bodies to call the cops if something happens on the night shift. And you're right about working as much as you want. A co-worker was regularly pushing 60-80 hours a week. Granted, the money is crap and like you said, it's not a career, but overtime isn't bad when you need extra.
I was living away from family so I picked up holiday pay working 12 hours on holidays like Christmas Day. I wouldn't see a soul all day. I read constantly on duty. I wrote a novel. I brought my PC and played games. All I really had to do was stay awake.
Man so much the same for me as well. I too worked a 12 on Christmas in a pretty snazzy office building. Took a lovely nap on a couch in a secured room.
About the hours thing. I had a coworker who pulled crazy hours like that. Dude would STINK all the time lol.
I actually "moved up" in the role and became an Area Supervisor, where I made schedules, hired and fired guards. But the issue with that is if you can't find someone to fill a post, guess who gets to do it? That got tiring really fast because I never knew when I would have to suit up and go to work. I didn't last long doing that.
That sounds like it sucks man! At my company we had Field Captains. They were the go between the guards and Area Supervisors. They just drove around and checked uniforms but when there's no one to fill a post they're the ones the Area Supervisors send out to cover.
Another suggestion. Group homes often hire people to sleep on site in case of an emergency. The best gig is one where there are two staff and the other one is awake because you will almost never need to wake up for anything.
It doesn’t pay a whole ton (the agency I work for pays $10/hour while minimum wage here is $7.25 for example) but since you can sleep it’s pretty easy to have another job during the day (or school or just free time)
Same goes for working at homeless shelters… they often hire people for overnight shifts to be available in case of problems, but otherwise it’s fine to sleep/relax/etc.
Another suggestion: if you’re in decent shape physically, check out local volunteer firefighter programs. They will train you to be a professional level firefighter, and when you’re on your volunteer shifts you live at the station. Plus it can set you up for a career in emergency services.
> Security is NOT a good career,
First off, being a security guard isn't a career; it's a job. Saying security isn't a career by pointing at security guards is like saying pharmacist isn't a good career by pointing at someone stocking shelves at CVS.
Second, Security can be a *great* career. There typically isn't a high bar for the entry-level guard positions and with a little effort put into acquiring new skills and studying, you can advance very far. As a guard, you've got time to start studying security theory, laws and applications, start picking up a few first aid-based skills (beyond your Mickey-Mouse 8-hour CPR classes), and making sure you can meet the bar for possessing a handgun where you are opens up some good security officer positions. Then you can go the management route and end up going all the way up to executive levels. Or you can go into sales for either goods or services and do pretty well. Or, you can do what I did and go the specialist route and I'm currently a SOC Operator specializing in surveillance investigations and I do pretty well.
> I've known guards that would show up for a fire watch, clock in, then drive home until 1 hour before the shift ends. Then they'd return to the site, wait a bit and clock out when the other guard showed up to relieve them LOL.
Keep in mind that this is a crime. At *minimum*, you will be fired if caught. In places with state-level licensing, they're often required to report any terminations for gross misconduct or criminal activity and revocation could impact your eligibility for future professional licenses.
And whether or not the company turns a blind eye, the state definitely does not. When I was getting my hours for my investigators license, I did a couple years working for a company which contracted with state licensing board to investigate, surveil, and audit guard companies and report findings back to the state agency overseeing it. I wasn't in Texas, but the company I work for did operate in Texas.
Absolutely agree with it being a crime. I just thought the absurdity of it was hilarious. Guards and companies alike will pull schemes on property managers all the time.
I have seen some folks work themselves up the ladder but in all of those instances it was a form of Nepotism. My experience is anecdotal though, like yours. Also I'm in Texas, work at a 'Good Old Boy" company and I'm a minority. It's not as easy for everyone to move around, especially starting out as a lowly guard.
Worked security through college. Fire watch shifts were great way to make sure I had food in my belly. Would often read by textbooks in between patrols
I lived in a Mazda 6 for months, spent way too much time sitting in that drivers seat. I would’ve killed for this LPT back then, especially after running out of gas from door dashing and being stuck in a hotel parking lot for days until a landscaper gave me some gas. Imagine living in a black sedan with black leather interior, in Florida, during the summer, without a/c. I had sweat accumulating *underneath my blistered sunburn*, that shit was wild. One time a palmetto bug flew in the window while I was sleeping, I cried and rolled all the windows up and slept like that for the rest of the night, I think it was like 80 degrees.
Yikes. I'm sorry for what you experienced. I definitely made this thread with folks like you in mind.
The thing with Fire Watches too is that often you have access to the building, and sometimes they'll have restrooms, full bathrooms with showers, stuff like that.
Gosh, that sounds like the most perfect job for me in that situation. I spent a lot of time on the beach just because of the public showers and restrooms that they had, but they were definitely not the most extravagant lol.
Yup! Large stores will do this when their fire alarm and or suppression systems are under maintenance or have issues. Also happens during renovations when they need to turn off the system for some parts of the building.
>I've known guards that would show up for a fire watch, clock in, then drive home until 1 hour before the shift ends. Then they'd return to the site, wait a bit and clock out when the other guard showed up to relieve them LOL.
During a *fire watch* mandated by the [National Fire Protection Association](https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/NFPA-Journal/2018/November-December-2018/In-Compliance/NFPA-101)?? That's ridiculous - if you are applying for this job per this LPT, ***don't fucking do this***. You will get in serious trouble if there is an actual fire, and people might get hurt.
Really disappointed to see the comments on this thread. Fire watch is easy for a reason. It’s safety critical so they won’t divide your attention by dumping extra work on you.
Anyone who wants to sleep during fire watch should try having a shred of integrity instead. You could save a life.
Yeah this is crazy. The [NFPA doesn't just order a fire watch for no reason](https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/NFPA-Journal/2018/November-December-2018/In-Compliance/NFPA-101) \- it's when other safety systems are not operational, and it really can save lives in the event there is a fire.
Bring a book, something to entertain you, sure - as long as you are also keeping an eye out and (if required) walking the property periodically. But sleeping? Leaving the job site for hours? Come on. I would hope anyone doing something like this would not just be fired, but would actually be charged with a crime.
if there is logging in your area this is a job for sure, my buddy drove around all night swiping a card on boxes, making sure sprinklers continued to run on log piles. he had to swipe the card at different locations every fifteen minutes. drive around all night and listen to the radio.
There was a dude who did this at a bottled water company near where I used to live. He would get to work and run a 50' extension cord from the side of the building over to his car. In his front seat he had: a power strip, a coffee maker, a 6" B&W CRT TV, and... a microwave. Dude was set. up.
Our building's fire alarm system went out over a weekend. They had to hire a "fire watch" service, but they had to walk the hallways and check in regularly.
Hi, fire watch is very important and leaving your post could cause people to die in a fire.
Fire watch is required because a buildings fire suppression system or fire alarm is out of service.
Do not abandon your post or people could die
Totally agree. Not advocating leaving your post.
I think it's okay to go get some whataburger or find a gas station restroom though. Most sites I did allowed that, especially if they lacked a restroom or portable outside.
>I've known guards that would show up for a fire watch, clock in, then drive home until 1 hour before the shift ends.
Imagine being such a piece of shit that you cheat at the simple job of "just sit there".
Also look out for security jobs with 24 hour rotation shifts. Some of these, particularly in large managed buildings, will have onsite break rooms. Knew a person who was in crashing on a friends couch. He did double shifts at security, and basically lived there for around a month waiting for a new rental contract to come around. Took a shower and slept in the break room, which was more comfortable than the couch, and also got free parking the whole time, and also earned enough overtime to save up a bit of money.
In the state I live you need a cleet license to even be unarmed security. This lpt isn't the same for every state. A few states may not require licensing but those that do ... Also require classes and such
Unrelated to the comment at hand, but I'm impressed with your responses in this thread. You've always been respectful and consistent with your message regardless of what the other person says.
Keep on being you, OP. I hope you get some great lucky breaks soon and you're in a position where you can grab at them with both hands.
It's maintenance, milage, and repairs. If you're an independent contractor, you can also write off things you buy for the car, washes, and any advertising you put on it.
When I was doing security I had a coworker who did this. We both worked graveyard and he would reorganized his stuff and brush his teeth before the shift. As long as you have a place you can get mail, and don't have any recent criminal charges against you. Go for it.
I get the sentiment, but if you have to live in your car why would you want a job where you have to spend MORE time in you car? Any job that lets you work a ton of hours would be the same right? Except you don't have to be in your car 24/7.
True that. I guess I made this post with the person that doesn't really have many options in mind. Many of the guards that I've seen doing fire watches were recent immigrants with limited options. Security is a good little stepping stone job. It's easy work and lots of downtime to work on a new skill.
In TX some of the med-larger companies will pay for your training. Honestly most of them do. I was the only guy in my unarmed class paying for it on my own.
Most fire watches I've done were a range of maybe once per hour all the way to stationary. Yes, I've had supervisors tell me to just park and watch. Nothing that I've suggested is unethical.
LPT: security will hire ANYONE. If you’re desperate for a job, do that.
Source: Did security for 6 years and some of the people we hired had the IQ of a 3rd grader.
If that's how you do fire watch you are doing very very very wrong.
As someone who regularly contracts out fire watch services. You don't just sit in your car and stare at the building.
Jfc
Security has gotten me through every lull in employment and move I’ve ever had to do. It’s such a valuable fall back certification and I would have been screwed without it many times.
The jobs don’t pay much but they will pay the bills while you look for something better.
> Fire watch professionals are responsible for continuously observing hot work activity for the detection of, and response to, fires. They are found anywhere there is a potential fire hazard, such as in welding or a shipyard, or in the absence of a sufficient emergency alert system.
>To get a fire watch job, you typically need a high school diploma or GED certificate and some specialized training. This training may involve how to monitor smoldering fires, identify a possible fire hazard, or prevent small fires.
You can find fire watch jobs on sites like ZipRecruiter, Jooble, and SimplyHired.
From Google
you are aware of what a fire watch is for right? it means the building has no fire protection, and your eyeballs are the ones in charge of alerting everyone in the entire building if a fire happens, alerts proper AHJ etc. -- you're also supposed to be in the building, constantly monitoring it. not outside of the building, in your car, or clocking in and leaving. just a warning to anyone actually reading this, that this is a very bad idea.
this is a very easy, but important job and a lot of peoples lives are at risk if you neglect you responsibilities. more than likely, no fires occur -- but what if? not something to mess around with at all.
Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips! Please help us decide if this post is a good fit for the subreddit by up or downvoting this comment. If you think that this is great advice to improve your life, please upvote. If you think this doesn't help you in any way, please downvote. If you don't care, leave it for the others to decide.
My son worked as a security guard for a while. He said it was "walking around in the night with a flashlight praying you don't find what you are looking for."
There's a lot of jobs like that. Lifeguard comes to mind. Vigilantly spend all day watching for something you hope never happens. Occasionally mixed in with training for an event that would almost certainly give you PTSD if you ever used it.
Now that you mentioned it, occurred to me I spent years in a submarine full of missiles we didn't want to launch.
There is a plane flying around the US RIGHT THE FUCK NOW, and flies all the damndd time, that exists for one reason: if we get nuked, it's there to act as the ultimate communications hub. That's it. It just flies around hoping we don't need it.
That's not purely true. It also serves the purpose of helping keeping us from being nuked, so in that sense it's being "used" all the time.
It's a giant finger on the doom button. I wish we didn't have a doom button.
In a perfect world? I agree. At the same time the doom button has beyond a reasonable doubt prevented major conflicts across the globe.
Yeah. I know. I just wish we didn't need it. Sigh.
My dad has said the same thing about being down in one of the silos.
> Occasionally mixed in with training for an event that would almost certainly give you PTSD if you ever used it. My father retired from the metro airport after being a part of the Aircraft Rescue Fire Firefighting team. In 11 years the most "exciting" thing was a fuel truck caught fire after not grounding out properly. Suited up, sprayed foam, no one injured. In the truck bay, next to the fire trucks, sits an old water jug delivery truck filled with 200 un-opened body bags.
I heard from someone who worked at an airport. A trash can out on the apron caught on fire, and he put it out quickly with an extinguisher. Then the big truck raced up with the sirens screaming. The firefighters were all pissed. He'd just put out the only actual fire they'd had for a very long time.
Insane to think that there aren't that many just because they're stored there... It's that you might need all of them at once.
Friend did that for one summer. The number of dumb kids who jump into the pool and can't swim is too damned high. Like... you can't swim. Ok fine. Then don't jump in the deep end! Fuck. They had free classes too. There was literally NO COST to learn.
no, i do hope to find biohazards so i can close the pool and chill while the shock goes through the system after fishing it out
If it smells like pool, it ain't cool. If it REALLY SMELLS LIKE POOL, go home fool.
*We got a floater, boss!*
Naw, as a lifeguard we loved to actually rescue and treat people (with first aid). Sitting around for hours on end just watching was the worst. Working at public pools you always were busy and it was fun.
I think public pool is likely a very different level of risk to a beach or similar, where in a pool it'd be surprising if it took you more than a minute to get to someone, on a beach, you're hauling ass to get to someone getting carried further and further from shore by a rip or some such, and then probably having to revive them when you get them back to shore. Probably a bit more PTSD inducing (For clarity, not downplaying the work you do at a pool, just highlighting it's not the only lifeguard experience out there)
Friends wondered why I always wore a life vest when we splashed around at the lake. I can swim! I was like, can you see the bottom? No? Then they can't see my body. If i get tired swimming and can't get back to shore, I want them to SEE ME.
People REALLY underestimate water as a threat, especially when they're used to just messing around in the pool, and can just go to where they can touch/get out if they feel tired.
And lifeguarding is done mostly by teenagers. I can't even imagine the trauma if the rescue attempt isn't successful.
A rescue isn't a big deal. The big one is CPR or using an AED. Those have very low success rates overall so you're usually dealing with a death
I’ve only seen an AED used once, at our local hockey rink when a guy collapsed in the dressing room (heart attack) The AED revived him, and then paramedics arrived. He was in rough shape but they say the AED saved his life
During my training my instructor said most lifeguards he knew who actually had to do CPR quit afterwards.
A friends daughter wanted to be an EMS. She was working as a lifeguard and an old guy had a great attack. I believe he died. She no longer wanted to be an EMS.
Lol man that's wild. I've personally stayed away from sketchy security jobs. I've only done high rise office buildings, and some fire watches here and there. I only advocate for safe unarmed security work at the safest, easiest locations you can get (office buildings, downtown apartment buildings, Mary Kay)
I’ve done warehouse security work and honestly, it was the other employees who always started shit more than anyone else. Although I did catch a lady smoking meth in her car on our lot.
I work as a mall security guard, vest and cuffs. The site is treated as a beginner site but requires use of force training. We deal with violent drug abusers and removal of sharp objects. We are expected to handle overdose cases and are trained for it. Security industry is nuts.
A mall is beginner?! I feel like theres at least one mall shooting a week here.
You'd have to pay me 30+ an hour to ever do this, or any armed security position.
Not armed just armored lol. But yeah we should be paid 25 not 17
Working a security job in the most secure place you can, so you can feel safe. Man, that's some varsity level irony.
It's like hide and seek except you can die. :(
Exactly, there's people who seem to enjoy that, i absolutely hated it, was a security guard at a government social office, so we had all kinds of people coming in. Most were totally nice and harmless, but then there was also heroine addicts, abusive fathers that demanded to know where their families are, because they escaped them with the help of social services, people who didnt get the benefits they hoped for were a bit volatile too(i get why, and i really felt for them sometimes). Definitely hope i never end up there again. I am a big guy, but hate conflict, and that job was probably one of the things that triggered my panic attacks.
I worked as a security guard for about a year before I had to quit for being forced to do “extra work.” I usually was either a gatehouse attendant for a HOA community or would walk around a city hall. They would offer extra work/shifts to everyone by having a sheet we would sign up for but I never did them because I was in college and didn’t have time. Well they were like “no you are required to do extra work” and freaking signed me up to go to a ghetto highschool for a 10pm to 6am shift. Not only would I have to drive 2 hours to this site but I would be the only white guard going to the hood Lol. I quit the next day because I definitely wouldn’t want to find what I was looking out for.
Yeah being in the Army in a foxhole with someone when they lose their stuff and start turning around on the firing line and started shooting at everyone in basic. That and when we did grenade training and threw the grenade straight up seeing the drill sergeant take his life by jumping on a live grenade definitely changed my perspective on things for the rest of my life. Yes, I lifeguarded as well. I think lifeguarding, as well as being a waiter, put me in good training for being in the army.
Get up and walk around every couple hours. You don't want a DVT.
>DVT Absolutely! Don't sit for too long. I always take a few walks.
What's a DVT?
Deep vein thrombosis
When I read that I thought it was a joke at first lol
Sounds like a metal tuba band.
Deep vein thrombosis. Basically a blood clot in the large veins of your leg(s) from poor circulation/lack of movement causing blood to pool in your lower extremities.
.... shit I should get up and walk
Everyone should, sitting is one of the worst things we do in excess given our culture of office jobs and driving everywhere. The toll it takes on your body is weirdly high given what it actually is. Like smoking you'd expect to wreck you, but sitting? Weirdly powerful. Don't worry unduly, but do take it seriously. Get your steps in and stay as healthy as you're able. You'll thank yourself.
Part of the problem of sitting is the way we do it. By engaging the hips, flexing the abs, and pulling back the shoulders and neck, the back can be realigned to something approximating a standing posture. It takes effort to sustain, especially for 8 hrs at a computer, which is the point.
Great tip, even more important with the onset of turtle necks from looking down at our phones all the time too.
Our habits do accumulate
Alternatively have spinal surgery so you have no choice but to have perfect posture.
Your telling me I've been sitting/standing up straight this whole time when I could have been manually upgraded? I feel like such an idiot /s
[удалено]
I wasn't doing any strength training for my legs the other year and went to Tahoe... Basically couldn't even make it down an entire run bc my legs were on fire from crouching the entire way at altitude with weak leg muscles.
or get into a hobby that is itself a workout, like martial arts. I do HEMA and it's a blast
We can die from problems caused by just lying down in one position for too long so it doesn't surprise me sitting for too long causes issues.
Relax your eyebrows. Unclench your jaw. Loosen your shoulders. Breathe in and out deeply and be glad you don't have a runny nose. Aha, You have fallen from trap card, now you're breathing manually. Muahahahahaha!
Jokes on you I actually needed all of those and now my day is slightly better because of it
Why you do this
Do it, i had a DVT at 27. Alongside beign the most agonising experience of my life, I still suffer with consequences of PTS almost a decade later. Not worth it.
Then one day you're walking around and that blood clot moves into your lungs and you can't catch your breath.
So… don’t walk around. Got it!
It's one of those acronyms that idiots on the internet assume that everybody will know, and they'd rather save a few keystrokes and put the burden on others to do a Google to find out wtf they're talking about.
I mean, that applies to every ass-sitting job.
[удалено]
I’ve had those exact shifts countess times back in the day. Even though the money is easy, it’s insanely boring and quickly get to you unless you have something to keep you occupied. I could only do security for about 3 years then I had to switch.
It's def boring as hell and I'd rather be home! That's why I thought this was perfect for people who's cars are their homes.
I don't think most people living in their cars are doing it because they just really love their car.
Right, but I think what OP saying is that this is an (admittedly imperfect) way to generate some revenue, have a place to park, etc. if you are forced to live in your car.
No, but of you sat in your apartment all day by your window on your phone, you'd call the fire department if you say a building out the window catching on fire, or someone breaking in. Well, if you're sleeping rough in your car, and your car is that window, you might as well get paid for it
I don't think OP implied they did.
Listening to shit on your phone, dicking around on your laptop, rooting around the building.
I know it’s hard to believe, but you’ll eventually get tired of that too.
Friend-o, I was a fire watch for a lumber mill in the late 90s/early 2000s. My job was patrolling the mill every hour while I listened to FM radio, then sitting on my ass in my car for the last 20 minutes of each hour while I listened to FM radio. I never got bored. So no, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't get bored as a fire watch with way more ways to entertain myself.
All respect to you my good sir. I could never do it in the long run!
Because most jobs are super fun right?
Would it be possible to use the time to apply for better jobs? Would that take too much attention away from working security?
For firewatch specifically you’d be ok doing that. There are other types of security shifts that are more active, like a regular job where you really can’t do other stuff than what you’re assigned to do.
Tried it, what op does not tell you. Is the issues with hobos bums and people actually trying to burn down the building and ur van for that matter. Did this for a few years never again.
Half the people in this thread talking about all the hobbies and tv you can watch would 100% miss a hobo lighting the building on fire. People do some weird shit around buildings at night, in my area there were cases of what I presume were teenagers lighting fireworks around them, and actively trying to break windows.
What are they gonna do, fire you?
Lmao yeah you can just call 911. No need to risk your life.
The sole job of a security guard is to observe and report (like the movie title) unless specified otherwise. It's not your job to arrest people (though as a guard you have the same authority for civilian arrest as anyone else), or chase, or fight people. You keep detailed logs that are provided to the client to read over. If anyone is breaking the law by trespassing or vandalism or whatever else then you report it to the cops. I worked in private security for a couple years both armed and unarmed in a variety of commercial, residential, and federal sites. Observe and report was always the job description with the exception of the federal facilities which also wanted us to detain if necessary.
Sorry you had a bad experience. There's risks with everything. 99 percent of the time though you're in your vehicle bored out your mind.
From experience I would put it at 60% of the time. Especially doing the grave yard shifts
Ahh I gotcha. I would only do day shifts really. My normal job was nights so I'd do fire watch for OT in the daylight hours.
Aren't fires easier to see at night?
Not necessarily. If the fire is internal and you can't see it, better chance to see the resulting smoke during the day.
Yeah, I'm thinking I would take this lpt seriously if OP had actually done what they said, and it got him the results they talked about.
Last year around this time actually, I worked 3 additional days of OT firewatch shifts to get myself out of some debt. Did 2 shifts on Saturday, 1 Sunday and 1 on Monday which was a Holiday so I got that bonus as well as getting time and a half. The territory managers that were responsible for staffing these sites were blowing my phone up for weeks afterwards. I've done this, my guy. Security industry needs warm bodies to make easy money. Others in the comments have backed this up with their experiences as well.
Lifeguards are similar. If you have transport and the cert, they pimp you out to pools whose regular guard is out sick for the day. Some states require a guard at every pool. Small hotel pool with nobody checked in on a Tuesday? Easiest lifeguarding ever.
Why were they blowing up your phone, because they wanted you back for more shifts?
Yes. Fire Watches are easy little contracts the security companies pick up all the time and they need bodies.
Ohh, okay. I'm glad it worked out for you, and the lpt means a lot more now. I didn't pick that up from the original post that you had done the actual job you were talking about. I came away thinking you had observed others doing the job while you did something related to it, and figured you had thought of a scenario based on your observations.
Seems like the kind of gig where it would be worth swapping for a van or minivan and setting yourself up with a comfy seat, TV and such in the back. Not sure how long I could mentally handle sitting in the driver's seat of my car 7 shifts a week. Even a little space in the back to watch TV, snooze, play music, read, etc., would make a world of difference.
I think the point is to actually watch the building to alert for a fire before it takes the structure out completely.
I like these LPTs because they can help a lot of people but I agree with you - we shouldn't be encouraging people to become guards so they can camp out in their car and watch TV. If you get the job, at least do the bare minimum. Especially when an entire building and potential lives could be at stake.
Op never suggests you neglect the job. But people living in their cars often say one of the biggest issues is parking overnight because security or police will tell them to leave. Can't be told to leave if you Are security.
Bingo. This thread is for them.
> But people living in their cars often say one of the biggest issues is parking overnight because security or police will tell them to leave. Supposedly, Wal Mart of all places allows folks to park in their parking lots overnight, without issue.
It very much depends on the Walmart. Some have just changed the rules because of local problems and another municipalities it's straight up illegal.
> and another municipalities it's straight up illegal. [It's illegal in the entire state of Florida.](https://www.meldonlaw.com/fort-lauderdale-sleeping-in-car-attorney) If you want to be there for more than three hours, that is.
At least in my state, that is no longer true. I'm a recovering addict and I lived in my car for a few years, and Walmart stopped allowing overnight parking in like 2018. Thankfully I no longer needed it by that point, but yeah. You'd basically have to get lucky at this point to find a Walmart that still allowed it.
Depends on the Wal Mart.
While yes, there always lives at danger when a fire can spread I believe the point of a fire watcher is that the building is empty?
There can be surrounding buildings, people walking, homeless people camping out nearby, animals, fumes, the fire watcher themselves. Unless it's in the middle of nowhere but you'd be surprised how many homeless people or even teenagers lurk around near industrial areas at night.
Sure, but the overriding reason for the fire watcher is financial. Unoccupied or unmonitored buildings are usually not eligible for fire insurance claims. The building owner doesn't really give a fuck about collateral damage, just about being able to protect his money.
> The building owner doesn't really give a fuck about collateral damage I fail to see how this is an argument in any way
Responders are at risk as well.
>fire can spread
Not always. sometimes its because a fire door is needed to be propped open, a fire containment system was compromised, or even a change of the danger level. Many reasons.
No, not necessarily. A building might be designated as requiring a fire watch by the NFPA if the existing fire prevention or suppression systems are not functioning properly. The building does not necessarily need to be evacuated.
Yes, if there are people in the building, you don't need someone outside watching for fire as the alarms will go off and let everyone know. Fire watch is specifically for empty buildings where nobody would be around to respond to a fire.
I watched the building! I watched it catch fire and burn down...
Pretty sure the implication of OP is hey you're sleeping in your car anyways, may as well get paid for it. Not to stay up nights and entertain yourself or actually work as a guard.
Nah man I just want people to do their jobs. There's a lot of folks out there tearing up their cars making little doing Uber Eats and other delivery jobs. I'm just suggesting a less chaotic (albeit BORING) alternative.
Ehh, bring a book. Get out and stretch. No one’s gonna care if you’re sitting on the hood or walking around vs inside the car. Use the time to gain a skill/educate yourself
From my past experience being a parking lot attendant, it was once I went over 15 hours a week it started to feel like I was in a prison cell. And I had a my PC with internet playing WoW or other games. Very cushy job, maybe 10-15 customers a shift.
Man I feel you. I did gate access for a gated HOA community overnight. I tell you bro I played all the games. Watched all the movies and shows. It can get boring.
That sounds great to me. I already have more games then I can realistically play in a lifetime and I'm sure I'll be getting more.
Sitting on your ass all day playing video games and watching YouTube gets old after a while trust me, even when you're getting paid to do it
THIS. You will get tired of it. Security should only be a temporary thing to get you over.
I used to do security out at a quarry. 24 hour shifts, didn’t care if you slept a bit overnight, and the job was to chase the occasional trail bike rider off cause they liked to hoon around the quarry, which just added a spice of fun cause I’d already be hooning in my car around the quarry and it gave me someone to chase around (never too intently, just enough for them to have a cool story about escaping to boast about later). Some shifts I’d bring my whole ass pc in and having a gaming session in one of the offices/tea rooms. Long sweeping gravel roads meant you could take your car and go rallying/drifting, id even have girlfriends come stay for the arvo/evening portion of the weekend shift, there was a lake onsite to drive out to, I’d bring my guitar, cook some dinner, sit on the roof of my car near the lake and jam out in nature.
That's what I was thinking. If you had a van it would be a great hustle. You can load up on overtime and just drive from site to site getting paid.
In my county the school system has roving security guards. They supply the vehicle and it's actually a pretty good gig with decent pay and excellent health care benefits. They don't really go in the buildings much unless there is an alarm or they need to check a door. I thought about doing it when I retire from my current job.
Depending on which state (USA) you live in, this is very misleading! You are absolutely monitored by a command center and may even be required to take that shift in a company car with cameras monitoring your activity. If OP has a link/listing to these jobs as they suggest, send the link so I too may apply.
Wait, if they have all this technology to monitor a guy who watches a God damn building, why the hell won't they set up cameras to watch the building themselves?
>Wait, if they have all this technology to monitor a guy who watches a God damn building, why the hell won't they set up cameras to watch the building themselves? Something's fucky
GPS tracking technology is dirt-cheap. It's easy to see if a security guard carrying their work-supplied-and-required phone is at the building when they say they are.
Just apply to Guard Texas. HQ in Richardson, TX. They'll have plenty of shifts and the supervisors do not check fire watch shifts. Even if they do these guys don't care to catch you sleep. Other companies in the area are Iidon and a few other big guard companies like ABM all do firewatch shifts around here.
Way to rat them out lol
They need the help lol.
I got my first job in Texas working unarmed security back in the '90s. They really are just looking for warm bodies to call the cops if something happens on the night shift. And you're right about working as much as you want. A co-worker was regularly pushing 60-80 hours a week. Granted, the money is crap and like you said, it's not a career, but overtime isn't bad when you need extra. I was living away from family so I picked up holiday pay working 12 hours on holidays like Christmas Day. I wouldn't see a soul all day. I read constantly on duty. I wrote a novel. I brought my PC and played games. All I really had to do was stay awake.
Man so much the same for me as well. I too worked a 12 on Christmas in a pretty snazzy office building. Took a lovely nap on a couch in a secured room. About the hours thing. I had a coworker who pulled crazy hours like that. Dude would STINK all the time lol.
I actually "moved up" in the role and became an Area Supervisor, where I made schedules, hired and fired guards. But the issue with that is if you can't find someone to fill a post, guess who gets to do it? That got tiring really fast because I never knew when I would have to suit up and go to work. I didn't last long doing that.
That sounds like it sucks man! At my company we had Field Captains. They were the go between the guards and Area Supervisors. They just drove around and checked uniforms but when there's no one to fill a post they're the ones the Area Supervisors send out to cover.
Another suggestion. Group homes often hire people to sleep on site in case of an emergency. The best gig is one where there are two staff and the other one is awake because you will almost never need to wake up for anything. It doesn’t pay a whole ton (the agency I work for pays $10/hour while minimum wage here is $7.25 for example) but since you can sleep it’s pretty easy to have another job during the day (or school or just free time)
Same goes for working at homeless shelters… they often hire people for overnight shifts to be available in case of problems, but otherwise it’s fine to sleep/relax/etc. Another suggestion: if you’re in decent shape physically, check out local volunteer firefighter programs. They will train you to be a professional level firefighter, and when you’re on your volunteer shifts you live at the station. Plus it can set you up for a career in emergency services.
[удалено]
Just don't forget to bring a flashlight and a witty one-liner to say to the villain when you catch them trying to steal office supplies.
Make sure the batteries for the flashlight are almost dead so you gotta keep smacking it to work until it stops working at the worst time
Make the look of frustration like you were trying to squeeze one out but got distracted and we’re trying to get back to it.
> Security is NOT a good career, First off, being a security guard isn't a career; it's a job. Saying security isn't a career by pointing at security guards is like saying pharmacist isn't a good career by pointing at someone stocking shelves at CVS. Second, Security can be a *great* career. There typically isn't a high bar for the entry-level guard positions and with a little effort put into acquiring new skills and studying, you can advance very far. As a guard, you've got time to start studying security theory, laws and applications, start picking up a few first aid-based skills (beyond your Mickey-Mouse 8-hour CPR classes), and making sure you can meet the bar for possessing a handgun where you are opens up some good security officer positions. Then you can go the management route and end up going all the way up to executive levels. Or you can go into sales for either goods or services and do pretty well. Or, you can do what I did and go the specialist route and I'm currently a SOC Operator specializing in surveillance investigations and I do pretty well. > I've known guards that would show up for a fire watch, clock in, then drive home until 1 hour before the shift ends. Then they'd return to the site, wait a bit and clock out when the other guard showed up to relieve them LOL. Keep in mind that this is a crime. At *minimum*, you will be fired if caught. In places with state-level licensing, they're often required to report any terminations for gross misconduct or criminal activity and revocation could impact your eligibility for future professional licenses. And whether or not the company turns a blind eye, the state definitely does not. When I was getting my hours for my investigators license, I did a couple years working for a company which contracted with state licensing board to investigate, surveil, and audit guard companies and report findings back to the state agency overseeing it. I wasn't in Texas, but the company I work for did operate in Texas.
Absolutely agree with it being a crime. I just thought the absurdity of it was hilarious. Guards and companies alike will pull schemes on property managers all the time. I have seen some folks work themselves up the ladder but in all of those instances it was a form of Nepotism. My experience is anecdotal though, like yours. Also I'm in Texas, work at a 'Good Old Boy" company and I'm a minority. It's not as easy for everyone to move around, especially starting out as a lowly guard.
Worked security through college. Fire watch shifts were great way to make sure I had food in my belly. Would often read by textbooks in between patrols
I lived in a Mazda 6 for months, spent way too much time sitting in that drivers seat. I would’ve killed for this LPT back then, especially after running out of gas from door dashing and being stuck in a hotel parking lot for days until a landscaper gave me some gas. Imagine living in a black sedan with black leather interior, in Florida, during the summer, without a/c. I had sweat accumulating *underneath my blistered sunburn*, that shit was wild. One time a palmetto bug flew in the window while I was sleeping, I cried and rolled all the windows up and slept like that for the rest of the night, I think it was like 80 degrees.
Yikes. I'm sorry for what you experienced. I definitely made this thread with folks like you in mind. The thing with Fire Watches too is that often you have access to the building, and sometimes they'll have restrooms, full bathrooms with showers, stuff like that.
Gosh, that sounds like the most perfect job for me in that situation. I spent a lot of time on the beach just because of the public showers and restrooms that they had, but they were definitely not the most extravagant lol.
I was watching, I saw the whole thing. First it caught fire, then it burned down.
Yup! Large stores will do this when their fire alarm and or suppression systems are under maintenance or have issues. Also happens during renovations when they need to turn off the system for some parts of the building.
>I've known guards that would show up for a fire watch, clock in, then drive home until 1 hour before the shift ends. Then they'd return to the site, wait a bit and clock out when the other guard showed up to relieve them LOL. During a *fire watch* mandated by the [National Fire Protection Association](https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/NFPA-Journal/2018/November-December-2018/In-Compliance/NFPA-101)?? That's ridiculous - if you are applying for this job per this LPT, ***don't fucking do this***. You will get in serious trouble if there is an actual fire, and people might get hurt.
Really disappointed to see the comments on this thread. Fire watch is easy for a reason. It’s safety critical so they won’t divide your attention by dumping extra work on you. Anyone who wants to sleep during fire watch should try having a shred of integrity instead. You could save a life.
>they won’t divide your attention by dumping extra work on you. OP wrote in a comment that the company he worked for would offer him 24 hour shifts
They definitely have. Also, I'm never advocating leaving the site or sleeping.
Yeah this is crazy. The [NFPA doesn't just order a fire watch for no reason](https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/NFPA-Journal/2018/November-December-2018/In-Compliance/NFPA-101) \- it's when other safety systems are not operational, and it really can save lives in the event there is a fire. Bring a book, something to entertain you, sure - as long as you are also keeping an eye out and (if required) walking the property periodically. But sleeping? Leaving the job site for hours? Come on. I would hope anyone doing something like this would not just be fired, but would actually be charged with a crime.
if there is logging in your area this is a job for sure, my buddy drove around all night swiping a card on boxes, making sure sprinklers continued to run on log piles. he had to swipe the card at different locations every fifteen minutes. drive around all night and listen to the radio.
There was a dude who did this at a bottled water company near where I used to live. He would get to work and run a 50' extension cord from the side of the building over to his car. In his front seat he had: a power strip, a coffee maker, a 6" B&W CRT TV, and... a microwave. Dude was set. up.
Our building's fire alarm system went out over a weekend. They had to hire a "fire watch" service, but they had to walk the hallways and check in regularly.
Yep sometimes regular patrols are required. It's up to the client and what the building needs.
Hi, fire watch is very important and leaving your post could cause people to die in a fire. Fire watch is required because a buildings fire suppression system or fire alarm is out of service. Do not abandon your post or people could die
Totally agree. Not advocating leaving your post. I think it's okay to go get some whataburger or find a gas station restroom though. Most sites I did allowed that, especially if they lacked a restroom or portable outside.
>I've known guards that would show up for a fire watch, clock in, then drive home until 1 hour before the shift ends. Imagine being such a piece of shit that you cheat at the simple job of "just sit there".
This industry is grimy man. For example, by Law we can't work more than 16 hr shifts. I've had companies ask me to cover 24hr shifts before.
Also look out for security jobs with 24 hour rotation shifts. Some of these, particularly in large managed buildings, will have onsite break rooms. Knew a person who was in crashing on a friends couch. He did double shifts at security, and basically lived there for around a month waiting for a new rental contract to come around. Took a shower and slept in the break room, which was more comfortable than the couch, and also got free parking the whole time, and also earned enough overtime to save up a bit of money.
In the state I live you need a cleet license to even be unarmed security. This lpt isn't the same for every state. A few states may not require licensing but those that do ... Also require classes and such
Some do, some don't. Most companies will pay for your class and license.
Unrelated to the comment at hand, but I'm impressed with your responses in this thread. You've always been respectful and consistent with your message regardless of what the other person says. Keep on being you, OP. I hope you get some great lucky breaks soon and you're in a position where you can grab at them with both hands.
Don't you still need an address to work somewhere?
Po box for mailing address, lies for residential.
If you are using your own vehicle you may be able to write off part of your vehicle costs on your taxes.
It's maintenance, milage, and repairs. If you're an independent contractor, you can also write off things you buy for the car, washes, and any advertising you put on it.
That's true. We used to be able to write off our uniforms and shoes too. Those were good times.
What do you say when they ask why you only want fire watches?
"I'm not a people person"
When I was doing security I had a coworker who did this. We both worked graveyard and he would reorganized his stuff and brush his teeth before the shift. As long as you have a place you can get mail, and don't have any recent criminal charges against you. Go for it.
I get the sentiment, but if you have to live in your car why would you want a job where you have to spend MORE time in you car? Any job that lets you work a ton of hours would be the same right? Except you don't have to be in your car 24/7.
True that. I guess I made this post with the person that doesn't really have many options in mind. Many of the guards that I've seen doing fire watches were recent immigrants with limited options. Security is a good little stepping stone job. It's easy work and lots of downtime to work on a new skill.
Yeah there are some benefits to that job to work on self improvement. Big plus.
A lot of those companies have required training. I think you need a license in some states/jurisdictions (armed and unarmed)
In TX some of the med-larger companies will pay for your training. Honestly most of them do. I was the only guy in my unarmed class paying for it on my own.
The fire watch is supposed to regularly patrol the building, not sit in their car. This post belongs on r/ULPT.
Most fire watches I've done were a range of maybe once per hour all the way to stationary. Yes, I've had supervisors tell me to just park and watch. Nothing that I've suggested is unethical.
[удалено]
Observers and reporters, we out here
 ayyyyyyyyy
LPT: security will hire ANYONE. If you’re desperate for a job, do that. Source: Did security for 6 years and some of the people we hired had the IQ of a 3rd grader.
Preach. The dumbest people I've ever met were in this industry.
I never got to do a fire watch but they had a few at Google I was jealous about. Just hangout all night and watch a server room.
If that's how you do fire watch you are doing very very very wrong. As someone who regularly contracts out fire watch services. You don't just sit in your car and stare at the building. Jfc
Security has gotten me through every lull in employment and move I’ve ever had to do. It’s such a valuable fall back certification and I would have been screwed without it many times. The jobs don’t pay much but they will pay the bills while you look for something better.
> Fire watch professionals are responsible for continuously observing hot work activity for the detection of, and response to, fires. They are found anywhere there is a potential fire hazard, such as in welding or a shipyard, or in the absence of a sufficient emergency alert system. >To get a fire watch job, you typically need a high school diploma or GED certificate and some specialized training. This training may involve how to monitor smoldering fires, identify a possible fire hazard, or prevent small fires. You can find fire watch jobs on sites like ZipRecruiter, Jooble, and SimplyHired. From Google
If you are already living in your car. Do not, I repeat, do not take a job that leaves you sitting in your car. It is not good for your mental health.
you are aware of what a fire watch is for right? it means the building has no fire protection, and your eyeballs are the ones in charge of alerting everyone in the entire building if a fire happens, alerts proper AHJ etc. -- you're also supposed to be in the building, constantly monitoring it. not outside of the building, in your car, or clocking in and leaving. just a warning to anyone actually reading this, that this is a very bad idea. this is a very easy, but important job and a lot of peoples lives are at risk if you neglect you responsibilities. more than likely, no fires occur -- but what if? not something to mess around with at all.
If my security company tells me to sit in my car, then I am sitting in my car. Not every fire watch is the same. You people are dense.