Fire Safety
Moving On from Waking Watch
After the Grenfell Tower tragedy, emergency measures were introduced to protect residents in high-rise buildings with fire safety concerns. One of these was Waking Watch –
teams of wardens monitoring buildings around the clock to raise the alarm in the case of a fire.
Originally intended as a short-term fix, Waking Watch became a long-term and expensive burden for many, with leaseholders paying hundreds each month. The cost, combined with the stress of constant surveillance, made it unsustainable for residents and building owners.
Now, the landscape is shifting. With government support and better technology, building owners are replacing Waking Watch with modern fire detection systems – permanent solutions that improve safety, reduce costs, and restore peace of mind.
To support this transition, the government launched the Waking Watch Replacement Fund – recently extended to March 2026 – which helps cover the cost of installing alarm systems in high-risk buildings. These systems must comply with BS 5839-1, the British Standard for fire detection in non-domestic premises, including communal areas in residential blocks.
By enabling early detection and automatic alerts, these always-on systems reduce reliance on human patrols and give residents more time to respond in the event of an emergency.
Technology That Works, Backed by Industry Leaders Hochiki Europe, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of commercial fire detection systems, has seen growing demand for its solutions in the residential and mixed-use sectors. Known for developing high-integrity detection devices and addressable alarm panels, Hochiki’s technology is designed to reduce false alarms, speed up detection, and integrate seamlessly into existing building infrastructure.
What sets Hochiki systems apart is their proven reliability
and compliance with BS 5839-1. When installed by accredited partners, these systems offer a powerful alternative to Waking Watch – one that doesn’t compromise on performance or resident safety.
In collaboration with system design and installation specialists Cornerstone, Hochiki solutions have been installed in a wide range of buildings where Waking Watch was previously in place. The results have been transformative.
Real-World Impact: A London Borough Case Study One London borough council managing several high-rise properties made the decision to move away from Waking Watch after sustained feedback from residents and escalating costs.
Working with trusted fire safety contractors and using Hochiki detection technology, the council rolled out a BS
5839-1 compliant alarm system across
the affected blocks. The system included Hochiki’s innovative multi-sensor detectors and addressable panels that can quickly identify the location of any incident.
Once the installation was complete and thoroughly tested, the council was able to fully withdraw Waking Watch patrols – delivering immediate savings and significant improvements in resident confidence.
The implementation of modern, standards-based alarm systems not only offers regulatory compliance but also provides reassurance to both residents and building insurance companies. Residents now have peace of mind knowing their homes are safeguarded by advanced automated systems, while insurance companies appreciate the reduced risk and improved safety standards in the buildings.
A Better Way Forward
Across the country, more and more building owners are recognising the value of switching from human patrols to modern fire safety systems. With support available through the WWRF and clear guidance in place, the transition has never been more achievable.
For those looking to make the change, working with experienced partners like Hochiki and its national network of accredited installers ensures that safety remains the top priority – from design to installation and beyond.
While the urgency that once surrounded Waking Watch has not faded, what has changed is our ability to respond with better tools, better planning, and better long-term thinking.
If you’re ready to move beyond Waking Watch and invest in a safer, more cost-effective solution, contact Hochiki to get started. Discover how you can access WWRF funding and protect your residents with industry-leading fire detection technology. Visit:
https://web.hochikieurope.com/waking-watch-2025
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