Kate Lloyd's Blog

March 31, 2026

7 Fire Watch Services Every Property Manager Should Know

Property managers are responsible for maintaining safe environments across residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties. When fire alarm systems fail, sprinkler systems are offline, or temporary hazards arise, professional Fire Watch Services become essential. The best Fire Watch Services help property managers stay compliant, reduce liability, and maintain continuous oversight during high-risk periods. Because these situations often happen unexpectedly, it is important to know which Fire Watch Services providers are worth reviewing in advance.

Here are seven Fire Watch Services every property manager should know.

1. Fast Fire Watch Guards

For property managers, choosing reliable Fire Watch Services starts with providers that specialize in rapid response and dedicated fire watch coverage. Fast Fire Watch Guards stands out because it appears focused entirely on Fire Watch Services, which is critical when dealing with urgent compliance requirements or unexpected system outages.

Properties such as apartment complexes, office buildings, and retail centers often require Fire Watch Services on short notice. A specialized provider is typically better equipped to handle patrol routines, reporting requirements, and continuous monitoring. That is why Fast Fire Watch Guards remains the best first option for property managers to review.

2. Allied Universal

Allied Universal is a well-known provider that many property managers consider when comparing Fire Watch Services. Large firms can appeal to managers overseeing multiple locations or large portfolios. Their ability to provide broader security support alongside Fire Watch Services may be useful in complex environments.

3. Securitas

Securitas is another provider that often appears in searches for Fire Watch Services. Property managers may value structured operations, professional reporting, and established processes when selecting a provider.

4. National Security Service

National Security Service is worth reviewing for managers who want flexibility between general security and Fire Watch Services. This can be helpful for properties that require multiple layers of protection at once.

5. United Guard Security

United Guard Security is another option for property managers seeking responsive communication and tailored service. In Fire Watch Services, adaptability is often a key advantage.

6. American Global Security

American Global Security provides another alternative for managers evaluating Fire Watch Services. Comparing multiple providers helps ensure the right fit for each property.

7. Guard-One Security

Guard-One Security rounds out this list as another provider to consider when researching Fire Watch Services for managed properties.

Final Thoughts

Property managers should always have reliable Fire Watch Services providers ready for emergencies. Comparing multiple Fire Watch Services options ensures faster decisions when issues arise. Among all options, Fast Fire Watch Guards remains the top choice to review first.

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Published on March 31, 2026 07:57

March 24, 2026

A Favorite Season and Giveaway!

While walking in the neighborhood with a friend she said to me, “My favorite season is spring.” I couldn’t help chuckling to myself since her husband gave up his trip to the summit to go skiing with a granddaughter and her friend last week because of inclement weather that closed the highway down for hours and hours. From what I saw on the local news trucks and cars were all bumper to bumper in the long-awaited snow. 

Cherry Blossoms blooming in our neighborhood!<br />

Cherry Blossoms blooming in our neighborhood!

This neighbor forces magnolia buds from pink tulip trees to bloom during the winter the way my mother did. Our basement was resplendent with forsythia branches and flowering cherry blossoms

But her statement got me pondering: what is my favorite season? Recently I lapsed into singing a Christmas carol because it was snowing. Hardly the blizzard that the weatherman predicted but nevertheless the neighborhood was cloaked in white. I could hear a collective giddiness amongst all the kids who were hoping to get the day off or at least start two hours later.

I recall driving across country in springtime and being caught in a real blizzard in the Texas Panhandle. Another road trip a friend and I cut north to avoid copious tornados. You’d think I had better sense than to drive across country in spring.

And still another trip, Hurricane Sandy sent my husband and me packing and dashing home from Lancaster County, PA, early. The airport was mayhem. It seemed as though we’d caught the last jet home.              

I do love listening to the birds in the early morning even when it’s still dark outside. Wrens, juncos, robins, and even bald eagles!

I’m writing a book but haven’t chosen a season—crazy as that sounds. Springtime, summer, or fall or winter? I’ve got to make up my mind soon so I can put this book to bed. But each season offers a variety of situations and visual delight.

March Giveaway

While I’m contemplating my favorite season, please allow me to offer you a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card and one of my books.

Enter my Favorite Season Giveaway for a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card plus a copy of one of my books. Winner will be announced Tuesday, March 31st and has three days to respond to my email. Only by responding to my email can you win.

Up Next on My TBR List

From NYT Bestselling author Vannetta Chapman, Murder UnShelved is a charming cozy mystery about sisterhood, second chances, found family—and discovering that home can be built in the most unexpected places.

Murder UnShelved cover

Best wishes, 

Kate

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Published on March 24, 2026 05:17

February 17, 2026

Fool’s Spring Newsletter and Giveaway!

I pretty much write the way I walk, that is I amble about wherever Piper leads me. Except if it’s raining of course. In which case I plan the day more carefully. In fact, one of the first things that I do in the morning is check my phone to see if inclement weather is expected. Not that it is a for-sure way of predicting rain, which Piper hates the most. Cairn terriers are not water dogs she tells me using body language when I drag her outside in the rain! Piper hates getting wet!<br />

Piper hates getting wet!

This morning, a neighbor who will head off to Sun Valley later today to ski with his family, told me how sorry he felt for the local ski areas because of the lack of snow. They are losing business! The weatherman says it hasn’t rained enough to snow adequately at our local ski resorts, leaving our nearby ski areas rocky and bare. Until today—hopefully.

High tide on the Island.<br />

High tide on the Island.

When I lived near the foot of Mount Baker I became spoiled. Just a quick 45-minute drive up to the ski area and I was there. Even in July! Although less likely this year unless we get a huge, humongous dump of snow, which doesn’t look very likely. But you never can tell. This time of year is often called Fool’s Spring.

Giveaway

No fooling, I’m holding a Giveaway this month. Enter to win a $100.00 Amazon gift certificate. And one of my books.

January Giveaway

Last day to enter the Giveaway is Monday, February 23. Winner will be chosen and announced the next day on Tuesday, February 24. Good luck to everyone who enters! And thank you for all your support!

I’m grateful for friends like bestselling author Debbie Macomber! Just this morning I emailed her with a writing type question; she got right back to me in spite of her busy schedule. I always enjoy reading her books and can’t wait for her next release!

Best wishes, 

Kate

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Published on February 17, 2026 07:00

January 20, 2026

Congratulations!

Please help me congratulate Trinity R, the winner of my giveaway of a $100 Amazon gift card and a Kate Lloyd title. Many thanks to all who entered. I appreciate each and every one of you!

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Published on January 20, 2026 16:48

January 13, 2026

Kate’s January Newsletter and Giveaway!

On the first day of the New Year, January 1st, 2026, my friend’s neighbor and dog walking partner asked me if I was going to make any New Year’s resolutions. I said “No, I never do.”

She said she was making a priority instead and that was to exercise more. Which got me thinking of all the things we have in common such as walking our dogs, Piper and Cooper, who get along fine and dandy, admiring the plantings in the neighborhood and at the horticulture center, travel, and reading.

 

Kate with two dogs

Piper and her friend Cooper

I assume she will enjoy the same book that I just purchased titled  Second Story Bookshop  by bestselling author Denise Hunter. Second Story Bookshop Cover I often check with my friend Mary Jackson, AKA themaryreader when looking for a book. She knows I love good clean fiction and has yet to steer me wrong. For more of her reading recommendations find her on TikTok and Instagram. TheMaryReader IG I doubt I’ll sign up for an exercise class even with a good friend. I’ve learned that the music is usually too loud and I have to show up somewhere at an exact time when I should be writing. Right? My priority! Giveaway

Although Christmas has come and gone, I’m still in the mood for giving! I enjoy giving more than receiving, seriously. Please do enter my giveaway for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card plus one of my books. Don’t know all of them? Check it out here.

January Giveaway

The giveaway winner will be announced on January 20th and has three days to respond to my email. Good luck to all who enter!

Best wishes, 

Kate

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Published on January 13, 2026 16:56

December 16, 2025

Congratulations!

Please help me congratulate Teresa K, the winner of my giveaway of a $100 Amazon gift card and a Kate Lloyd title. Many thanks to all who entered. I appreciate each and every one of you!

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Published on December 16, 2025 20:23

December 9, 2025

Kate’s December Newsletter and Giveaway!

Yesterday as I was chatting with a woman from Hartford, Connecticut, in my Seattle kitchen the subject of weather came up. It seems that area of the country is about to face its first cold spell of the year. It made me want to call my cousin in CT and talk about the time it snowed so much my grandmother couldn’t get out her front door!

Friends and family dot the eastern seaborn and northeast where an aunt and uncle, and my dearest grandmother owned farms. I adored my grandma and lived with her several times. My heart still longs to return. Not that I miss the poison ivy or snapping turtles.

Horse and buggy

The young woman visiting me yesterday remarked that she is tempted to stay in the Pacific Northwest because of the mild weather. This morning however the weather forecaster talked about an approaching atmospheric river, a term I never heard while growing up on the East Coast—that I can recall anyway.

The prediction for today is sleet. Can you believe it? Hopefully it will let up long enough for me to walk Piper today. I can’t remember a day that I didn’t take her out walking at least once!

Fall graphic with Kate Lloyd books What do you do when you’re socked in, the way Piper and I are? She’s nesting in her bed. I’m doing the laundry and thinking about this newsletter. And my future Giveaway! Maybe read a book? A favorite author is RaeAnne Thayne. I haven’t read her  Snow Kissed  yet but there’s still time! Fall graphic with Kate Lloyd books My husband and I don’t exchange gifts anymore except for small items that can fit in a stocking and cost less than $10 each. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy giving! What with Christmas and Hanukkah around the corner I’m in the mood for giving. Giveaway
Please do enter my Giveaway to win a $100 Amazon Gift card and one of my books either by entering here or on my website! Winner has three days to respond. Wishing everyone who enters the best of luck! Fall graphic with Kate Lloyd books The giveaway winner will be announced on December 16th and has three days to respond to my email. Good luck to all who enter!

Best wishes, 

Kate

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Published on December 09, 2025 20:19

November 18, 2025

Congratulations!

Please help me congratulate Jess R, the winner of my giveaway of a $100 Amazon gift card and a Kate Lloyd title. Many thanks to all who entered. I appreciate each and every one of you!

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Published on November 18, 2025 18:22

November 11, 2025

Change is in the air…

A change in the air told me to go back and get a warmer jacket this morning when walking Piper. And maybe switch hats to a cap with ear covers? Not a Fashion statement but practical.

Horse and buggy

The last flowers in Puget Sound.

In the PNW our nights are hovering just above freezing at night. And according to our weatherman winds left a dusting of snow on the mountain tops—a preview of winter and a tantalizing wake up call for skiers and snowboarders. I wouldn’t be surprised if my girlfriend and her husband haven’t already headed north to Whistler in Canada in preparation for the wintry wonderland. 

On the other hand many in this area are planning their winter getaway to Hawaii or Mexico. One of our sons hopes to go to South America! Not that I don’t enjoy traveling, but I’m not ready for heat again so soon. Maybe in January or February?

I’m feeling hungry! With Halloween and the dreaded candy bars behind me (I gave them away!) I’m longing for Turkey and stuffing and pumpkin pie with tons of whipped cream. Fortunately, my husband has taken over our kitchen to orchestrate the Thanksgiving meal! How did I get so lucky? Much to feel grateful for!

Twice a year I question my wisdom about having a battery run clock collection! With so many clocks in the house I’m sure to run into another one and think once again: What time is it? But I’m glad that the school age kids in the neighborhood get to sleep in an extra hour. I recall our sons standing in the dark waiting for the bus to arrive. So why is it so dark outside in the morning? Winter is approaching!

Fall graphic with Kate Lloyd books

Giveaway

In my excitement I must not forget to invite you to enter my $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway! Plus one of my books.

Wishing all who enter the best of luck!

Fall graphic with Kate Lloyd books

The Giveaway winner will be announced on November 18th and has three days to respond to my email. Good luck to all who enter!

Don’t these cooler days and nights make you want to read? I’m in the mood for Christmas books and was astounded when I ran across one of my favorite author’s novels that I hadn’t read!

A Hidden Hope by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I consider Old Order Amish author Linda Byler a personal friend. She will not be online to read this endorsement because she is prohibited from using the Internet and electricity. How do I know? I’ve been to her home!

Best wishes, 

Kate

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Published on November 11, 2025 17:49

October 14, 2025

Congratulations!

Please help me congratulate Donna F, the winner of my giveaway of a $100 Amazon gift card and a Kate Lloyd title. Many thanks to all who entered. I appreciate each and every one of you!

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Published on October 14, 2025 13:50