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Waking watch is a fire safety measure introduced to protect high-rise properties deemed at high-risk of fire until construction work is done to resolve the issue.

Introduced following the tragedy of the Grenfell tower fire, waking watch involves 24/7 monitoring of a building by trained fire marshals, looking for signs of fire and raising the alarm when required.

Unfortunately, a lack of funding means that the remediation work that was promised has been shockingly slow in arriving and residents have been stuck paying for waking watch services on a much more permanent basis than was ever intended.

This article will give you all the information you need about the pros and cons of waking watch, as well as exploring the most cost-effective alternatives that are currently available.

Why was waking watch introduced?

Immediately following the Grenfell tower disaster in 2017, 24-hour manned security patrols were put in place on similar high-rise properties found to have similar flammable cladding on the exterior.

In October 2017, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) made this role official by introducing a requirement for such buildings to introduce a ‘simultaneous evacuation’ policy until the condemned materials could be replaced.

Before this point, the recommended action for residents in high-rise buildings was to stay-put in their apartments until the fire service arrived but the risk of fire spreading rapidly was deemed too high for this to continue.

Instead, it was decided that all inside these buildings are evacuated as quickly as possible the moment that a fire is detected.

The only effective ways to allow for such a policy were to either put waking watch in place, or to install a common fire alarm system, and as a result it is now a legal requirement for one of the these to be implemented.

What is waking watch?

Waking watch involves highly trained fire marshals continually patrolling high-rise buildings in the search for fire and fire hazards.

Should a fire be detected, these marshals will alert all residents and ensure the safe and rapid evacuation of the building.

With patrols conducted at least every 15 minutes 24 hours a day, carefully examining both the exterior and all interior floors of the building, by experts who are highly trained to spot the signs of a potential fire, waking watch can be an incredibly effective fire safety measure.

Whilst spotting a fire is thankfully very rare, fire marshals are still valuable in maximising the safety of the building, ensuring that all fire doors are closed, fire hazards are eliminated, and residents are informed on best practice.

Finding a waking watch service

The effectiveness of waking watch varies on a number of different factors including the area requiring coverage, complexities of the site, and the skill level of the guards in question.

To ensure that your property is as secure as possible it is vital that you make sure that those responsible for putting the waking watch in place choose a respected security firm with highly qualified fire marshals.

The cost of waking watch

Whilst waking watches are extremely effective in identifying fires and keeping residents safe, this 24/7 manned service comes at a hefty cost.

Local authorities will provide funding for waking watches to some extent, although this expense will significantly affect the money available for permanent refurbishments and other public services.

Between 2017 and 2020, for example, Camden Council alone spent over £10m on waking watches, across just 9 tower blocks.

Individual tenants are the ones who feel the cost of waking watch the most, however, with fees for leaseholders ranging from an average of £400 a month, to an eye-watering £800 a month.

For this reason, it is recommended by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) that a waking watch service is replaced by a common fire alarm as soon as possible unless remediation working is to be completed imminently.

Alternatives to waking watch

The ideal response to the discovery of flammable materials in the exterior wall system of high-rise properties is ALWAYS to replace the condemned sections as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, however, Government promises of funding for building improvements that were made following Grenfell have not materialised, and many residents have been stuck paying extortionate fees for waking watch services that were only ever intended as an extremely short-term option.

The only other way to remove Waking Watch in buildings waiting on remediation work being completed is the installation of a common fire alarm system.

This system will ensure that all residents are alerted the instant that a fire is detected anywhere in the building, rather than monitoring individual apartments alone, allowing for the simultaneous evacuation required under NFCC guidance at a fraction of the cost of waking watch.

For this reason, the best route forward for the vast majority of high-rise properties is to implement a waking watch ONLY until a common fire alarm is installed, unless remediation work is guaranteed to be completed in just a matter of weeks.

Choose lower heel heights like a kitten or block heels if you want heels that will elevate your summer outfit without leaving you with blisters; cushioned insoles may also help ease the stress on your feet.

Below, you’ll find retailers that enable you to filter by occasion, shaft height, toe shape and feature to easily locate comfy low heels for any special event.

1. Choose the Right Size

In order to find the most comfortable heels, they must fit properly from the start. It includes making sure the heel doesn’t pinch too tightly or pinch too gently and cause skin irritation or blisters; therefore, any new pair should be broken in gradually by wearing them around the house for at least an hour or two prior to heading out. In addition, make sure they fit at the ball of your foot, the widest part. For wider feet, opt for shoes with wider toe boxes or gradual points rather than sharp pointed toe styles.

If you aren’t sure of your shoe size, enlist the assistance of a friend and try them on while standing up. If there’s any uncomfortable rubbing between your feet and the interior edges of the shoe or noticeable spacing between them, go down one full or half size. Measuring the length of feet can also help determine which heel height works best.

2. Look for Adjustable Straps

No matter the occasion or event, women deserve heels that both look and feel amazing when walking – from special events to office floors – so let them do you proud! Numerous options on the market offer just as much comfort as your go-to sneakers; all it takes is knowing where they can be found!

Selecting comfy low heels and adjustable straps are two effective strategies for maintaining comfort when your feet swell throughout the day. Plus, shoes that offer some give and stretch may help prevent blisters – a common issue among many who wear heels!

Women suffering from bunions or other foot conditions should opt for shoes with rounded or square toe boxes, as pointed heels can exacerbate painful bumps on the feet, placing additional pressure on this sensitive area. The Vivaia flats pictured here come equipped with rounded toes to ease foot pain while offering anti-slip rubber soles so as to ensure that you won’t slip.

3. Go for Soft and Malleable Materials

If you love the look of stylish heels but find them uncomfortable, softer materials such as leather or suede might be better suited. Over time, they will mould to your feet more comfortably than rigid models such as lucite or perspex; plus, they look more casual and feminine than chunky block heels!

Even though this brand doesn’t offer as many heel options as some retailers on this list, their heels are unbelievably comfortable thanks to breathable, soft, stretchy fabrics with supportive features like orthotic footbeds, shock-absorbing platforms, non-skid soles and rocker bottoms. Furthermore, there are plenty of fun colours and patterns so that they’re suitable for any event or special occasion!

These glamorous, comfy low heels are an easy way to add a hint of sexiness and glamour to your wedding day outfit without straining either your feet or back on the walk down the aisle. Boasting an elegant pointed toe with cross-over ankle straps for extra support and plush latex padding in its leather sole, these shoes will ensure an easy ride between Point A and B without any pinching pains in between!

4. Go for a Glove-Like Fit

As you shop for heels, it is wise to aim for shoes with snug fits that prevent your feet from moving around inside them. Shoes that are too tight may cause long-term discomfort and place unnecessary strain on ankles, and the ball of feet; excessively high heels may also pose issues; experts advise opting for two inches or lower heel height for optimal comfort.

Shoppers searching for comfortable heels without hurting their feet or wallets can find an array of choices at DSW. With filter options such as occasion, shaft height and toe shape, you can narrow down the selection to find exactly what you’re after – such as Journee Collection Dyllan Sandals or Easy Street Prim Pumps. You may find what you’re after!

A popular cosmetic surgery procedure is called a nose job. It involves reshaping the nose and correcting its curvature, thus altering the way in which the person looks. Nose surgery can be conducted with local or general anesthesia. In Portland, Oregon there are many qualified plastic surgeons who perform these procedures. Here we look at how to get a nose job in Portland, Oregon.

Rhinoplasty, as a surgery procedure, is typically performed on the face, but it can also be done on other areas of the body, including the ears, eyebrows, and scalp. When you go in for a rhinoplasty procedure, you will first have your ears pierced to detect any potential problems, and then you will have your nose surgically corrected. You may be required to take several weeks off of work during the recovery period. Your recovery from rhinoplasty in Portland, Oregon can be a little stressful, but you should find that it is worth it when you look at the results.

The surgeon who is doing your rhinoplasty will meet with you in the operating room. He or she will ask you about the reasons for having your nose altered. This includes determining if there are any deformities that need to be fixed. You will then have a consultation with the surgeon to talk about the details of the procedure. During the consult, the surgeon will be able to tell you whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure. The surgeon will give you an estimate of the cost of the procedure, but it is important to remember that this figure is only an estimate, and the actual cost of the procedure could be considerably more or less than what the surgeon says it will be.

Visit website and once you are deciding to go ahead with the surgery procedure, you will have to prepare for it. Since it will be performed in an operating room, you will need to wear scrubs that are appropriate for the type of surgery that you will have done. These scrubs will help to protect you from getting any blood or fluid on them during the procedure, and they will also help to keep you comfortable throughout the process. While the doctor will probably give you instructions for what to do in regards to prepping yourself for the surgery procedure, you will be responsible for doing it on your own.

The surgeon will probably take a sample of your skin to perform the nose surgery procedure on. The surgeon will then place this tissue under a light and burn it away. The tissue that is burnt away will be used for creating your new nose.

When the surgeon is done performing the nose surgery procedure, your doctor will numb the area where the incisions were made. This will enable you to be more comfortable during the recovery period. During this time, you will have a series of instructions given to you. You will probably be told to keep your nose clean and to avoid contact with any foreign material. Most doctors want their patients to avoid swelling for at least a week or so after the surgery takes place. Swelling will help to protect the skin from being damaged by the incisions.

For more information about rhinoplasty in Portland Oregon visit The Portland Rhinoplasty Center and talk to board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr William Portuese.