FDNY Fire Life Safety Director (F-85/F-89) — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The FLSD's PA announcement during a fire emergency on the 15th floor should instruct occupants on that floor to:
- Use the elevator to descend quickly to the lobby
- Proceed to the nearest stairwell and evacuate down to the street level (Correct answer)
- Go to the roof and await helicopter rescue
- Shelter in place and await further instructions
Correct answer: Proceed to the nearest stairwell and evacuate down to the street level
Occupants on the fire floor should proceed to the nearest stairwell and evacuate down and out of the building — they should never use elevators during a fire.
Question 2: Which NYC building height threshold requires a Fire Life Safety Director to be on duty?
- Buildings over 150 feet
- Buildings over 75 feet (Correct answer)
- Buildings over 100 feet
- Buildings over 50 feet
Correct answer: Buildings over 75 feet
NYC requires an FLSD for buildings exceeding 75 feet in height, which defines a high-rise under the NYC Fire Code.
Question 3: The concept of 'defend in place' in high-rise fire response means:
- The building's automatic suppression systems defend occupants without requiring evacuation
- Non-fire floors shelter in place rather than evacuating, relying on fire-rated construction for protection (Correct answer)
- Occupants are trained to fight fires on their floor before evacuating
- FDNY defends the building from outside rather than entering
Correct answer: Non-fire floors shelter in place rather than evacuating, relying on fire-rated construction for protection
Defend in place means that high-rise buildings are designed with compartmentalization so occupants on non-fire floors are protected by fire-rated construction and can shelter safely while fire is suppressed.
Question 4: During a fire emergency, a floor warden reports that heavy smoke is visible in Stairwell B on the 20th floor. The FLSD should:
- Open Stairwell B doors at multiple floors to ventilate the smoke
- Direct all occupants on floors 18-22 to use Stairwell B as the alternate route
- Instruct the floor warden to investigate the smoke source in Stairwell B
- Immediately direct all occupants away from Stairwell B and to use alternate stairwells; inform FDNY (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Immediately direct all occupants away from Stairwell B and to use alternate stairwells; inform FDNY
Smoke in a stairwell renders it unsafe for evacuation. The FLSD must immediately redirect all occupants to alternate stairwells and inform FDNY of the compromised stairwell.
Question 5: The FLSD's authority extends to which of the following actions during a fire emergency?
- Overriding FDNY fire suppression tactics if the FLSD believes a different approach is safer
- Issuing orders to FDNY personnel regarding fire attack strategy
- Prohibiting FDNY access to certain building areas to protect tenant privacy
- Operating all building life safety systems under FDNY incident command direction (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Operating all building life safety systems under FDNY incident command direction
The FLSD has authority to operate building life safety systems, but all actions during a declared emergency are taken under the direction of the FDNY incident commander.
Question 6: When communicating with occupants during a partial evacuation, the FLSD should use which communication method as the PRIMARY means?
- The building's public address (PA) / voice alarm system (Correct answer)
- Door-to-door verbal notification only
- Text messages via building management app
- Personal cell phone calls to each tenant
Correct answer: The building's public address (PA) / voice alarm system
The building's PA/voice alarm system reaches all occupants simultaneously and is the primary tool for emergency communication.
Question 7: Which NFPA standard governs the installation of automatic sprinkler systems in commercial buildings?
- NFPA 10
- NFPA 72
- NFPA 13 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 25
Correct answer: NFPA 13
NFPA 13 is the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems and sets requirements for design, installation, and materials.
Question 8: Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the FLSD during a fire prevention inspection?
- Checking that exit signs are illuminated
- Verifying that fire doors close and latch properly
- Confirming that fire extinguishers are properly tagged
- Personally repairing damaged sprinkler heads (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Personally repairing damaged sprinkler heads
The FLSD identifies and reports deficiencies but is not responsible for personally performing technical repairs on fire suppression systems.
Question 9: What is the FLSD required to document after every fire drill?
- Date, time, building areas involved, number of participants, deficiencies noted, and corrective actions (Correct answer)
- A list of fire extinguishers inspected during the drill
- Total cost of the drill to submit for insurance reimbursement
- Only the names of occupants who did not participate
Correct answer: Date, time, building areas involved, number of participants, deficiencies noted, and corrective actions
Drill records must capture comprehensive data including deficiencies and corrective actions to satisfy regulatory requirements and improve future performance.
Question 10: What is the purpose of a manual fire alarm pull station?
- To test the fire alarm system without calling FDNY
- To communicate with the fire command station in an emergency
- To silence the fire alarm after FDNY arrives on scene
- To allow any person to manually activate the fire alarm system upon discovering a fire (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To allow any person to manually activate the fire alarm system upon discovering a fire
Manual pull stations allow any building occupant who discovers a fire to immediately activate the building's fire alarm system, alerting all occupants and notifying FDNY via central station monitoring.
Question 11: The term 'RACE' in building emergency response stands for:
- Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish (Correct answer)
- Run, Alert, Call, Escape
- React, Assess, Contain, Evacuate
- Report, Activate, Communicate, Exit
Correct answer: Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish
RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish — the sequence of actions for responding to a fire or emergency.
Question 12: Which of the following is considered a manual fire alarm initiating device?
- Sprinkler water flow switch
- Heat detector
- Pull station (Correct answer)
- Smoke detector
Correct answer: Pull station
A manual pull station requires human intervention to activate the fire alarm system. Smoke detectors, heat detectors, and water flow switches are all automatic initiating devices that activate when they sense specific conditions related to a fire, such as smoke, high temperature, or water movement in the sprinkler pipes.
Question 13: Which of the following is a required feature of a two-way communication system in an Area of Rescue Assistance?
- A visual display showing the current floor's evacuation status
- A hands-free intercom connecting the area to the fire command station (Correct answer)
- A direct line to the nearest hospital emergency room
- A cell phone charging port for the occupant's personal device
Correct answer: A hands-free intercom connecting the area to the fire command station
Code requires a hands-free, two-way communication system between the Area of Rescue Assistance and the fire command station (lobby or fire control room) so the FLSD can confirm who is waiting and communicate status without the occupant needing to hold a handset.
Question 14: An occupant trapped on the 35th floor during a fire, unable to use stairwells, should:
- Attempt to rappel down the exterior of the building
- Shelter in a room, seal gaps under the door, signal from the window, and call 911 to report their location (Correct answer)
- Use the elevator as a last resort to escape
- Jump from the window onto the fire truck aerial ladder
Correct answer: Shelter in a room, seal gaps under the door, signal from the window, and call 911 to report their location
A trapped occupant should shelter in place — seal smoke gaps under the door, call 911 with their exact floor and room number, and signal from the window to alert rescuers of their location.
Question 15: When a mobility-impaired occupant is waiting in an Area of Rescue Assistance during a fire evacuation, the FLSD must:
- Evacuate the occupant via elevator to the ground floor immediately
- Lock the stairwell door to protect the occupant until the all-clear is given
- Inform arriving FDNY units of the occupant's exact location and condition (Correct answer)
- Instruct the occupant to attempt stairwell descent independently using the handrail
Correct answer: Inform arriving FDNY units of the occupant's exact location and condition
The FLSD's critical duty is to relay the precise location and any relevant medical information about occupants in Areas of Rescue Assistance directly to arriving FDNY units, so firefighters can prioritize and execute assisted evacuation. Elevators are not used for evacuation, and occupants should not be forced into independent stairwell descent.
Question 16: Which of the following spaces typically presents the highest fire load in a commercial high-rise building?
- Stairwell landings
- Server rooms and data centers (Correct answer)
- Lobby entrance areas
- Elevator machine rooms
Correct answer: Server rooms and data centers
Server rooms and data centers contain dense concentrations of electronic equipment and cabling, representing a significant combustible fire load.
Question 17: When should a floor warden use their floor warden kit's emergency flashlight?
- During monthly equipment checks to verify battery function
- During actual emergencies when power failure or smoke reduces visibility in the stairwell (Correct answer)
- Only when specifically directed by the FLSD via intercom
- During all fire drills to simulate night-time conditions
Correct answer: During actual emergencies when power failure or smoke reduces visibility in the stairwell
Flashlights in floor warden kits are for actual emergencies when visibility is reduced by power failure or smoke — they should be checked monthly but used when needed during real emergencies.
Question 18: Which type of sprinkler head responds fastest to heat and is typically used in high-hazard areas?
- Dry pipe sprinkler
- Extended coverage sprinkler
- Quick response sprinkler (RTI ≤ 50) (Correct answer)
- Standard response sprinkler (RTI > 80)
Correct answer: Quick response sprinkler (RTI ≤ 50)
Quick response sprinklers have a lower Response Time Index (RTI ≤ 50) and activate faster than standard sprinklers, providing earlier suppression in high-hazard environments.
Question 19: Which of the following situations would require the FLSD to implement the building's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) rather than the Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan?
- A manual pull station activation from the lobby.
- An active shooter reported on the 15th floor. (Correct answer)
- A smoke detector activation in an electrical closet.
- A waterflow alarm from a sprinkler head.
Correct answer: An active shooter reported on the 15th floor.
The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is specifically designed for non-fire emergencies. An active shooter is a life-threatening, non-fire security event that falls under the EAP. The other options (pull station, waterflow, smoke detector) are all indicators of a potential fire and would be managed under the Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan.
Question 20: What is the purpose of fire safety inspection?
- Determine the effectiveness of fire alarms
- Train employees in fire safety procedures
- Asses the structural integrity of a building
- Identify potential fire hazards and violations (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Identify potential fire hazards and violations
Fire safety inspections are conducted to proactively identify potential fire hazards and code violations before an incident occurs. Structural integrity assessments are a separate engineering concern. Testing fire alarm effectiveness and training employees are valuable activities, but they are not the primary purpose of a fire safety inspection, which focuses on finding and correcting hazards.
Question 21: Under New York City fire code, how often must a high-rise office building conduct fire evacuation drills?
- Only when directed by the fire department
- Monthly
- Twice per year, with at least one occurring during business hours (Correct answer)
- Once every five years
Correct answer: Twice per year, with at least one occurring during business hours
NYC Fire Code requires high-rise office buildings to conduct fire drills at least twice per year, with at least one drill held during normal business hours.
Question 22: A Class I standpipe system provides hose connections intended for use by which group?
- Both occupants and fire department equally
- Building occupants only
- Security staff with basic training
- Fire department personnel (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Fire department personnel
Class I standpipe systems provide 2.5-inch hose connections designed exclusively for use by trained fire department personnel.
Question 23: A pre-action sprinkler system requires which two events before water is discharged?
- Two independent smoke alarms activating simultaneously
- A smoke detector activation and a manual pull station
- A detection device activation AND a sprinkler head fusing open (Correct answer)
- Heat detector activation and FLSD manual override
Correct answer: A detection device activation AND a sprinkler head fusing open
Pre-action systems require both a detection device (smoke or heat) to open a control valve AND a sprinkler head to thermally fuse before water flows, providing dual protection against accidental discharge.
Question 24: During a fire drill, a floor warden cannot account for one occupant from their floor. The floor warden should:
- Call 911 to report a missing person
- Notify other floor wardens to search adjacent floors
- Return to the floor to search for the missing person immediately
- Report the missing person to the FLSD and await instructions (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Report the missing person to the FLSD and await instructions
The floor warden must immediately report the missing occupant to the FLSD, who coordinates the response — floor wardens should not re-enter the building without FLSD/FDNY authorization.
Question 25: During a high-rise evacuation, the FLSD learns that three mobility-impaired occupants are waiting in Areas of Rescue Assistance on floors 18 and 24. What is the FLSD's primary duty regarding these individuals?
- Direct them to use a passenger elevator to descend to the lobby
- Advise them to move to the nearest corridor and wait for smoke to clear
- Instruct available staff to carry them down the stairwell immediately
- Record their exact locations and floor numbers and relay that information to FDNY upon arrival (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Record their exact locations and floor numbers and relay that information to FDNY upon arrival
The FLSD must maintain a real-time log of occupants sheltering in Areas of Rescue Assistance and provide that information to the FDNY incident commander so firefighters can prioritize rescue. Unauthorized attempts to carry occupants down stairs can cause injury and create additional hazards.
Question 26: An FLSD is notified of a non-fire emergency, such as a suspicious package found in the lobby. Which of the following actions represents the most appropriate initial response strategy?
- Attempt to move the suspicious package to an isolated area outside the building.
- Consult the building's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to determine the correct procedure. (Correct answer)
- Immediately direct all building occupants to the primary evacuation assembly area.
- Activate the building's fire alarm system to ensure a rapid evacuation.
Correct answer: Consult the building's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to determine the correct procedure.
The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a distinct set of procedures for non-fire emergencies. Activating the fire alarm is incorrect as it could lead to inappropriate actions by occupants (e.g., evacuating when sheltering-in-place is required). The FLSD must first consult the EAP to determine the specific threat and the corresponding planned response, which could be sheltering-in-place, in-building relocation, or a partial/full evacuation.
Question 27: What type of sprinkler system maintains water in the pipes at all times, ready for immediate discharge?
- Deluge system
- Wet pipe system (Correct answer)
- Dry pipe system
- Pre-action system
Correct answer: Wet pipe system
A wet pipe sprinkler system keeps water under pressure in the pipes at all times, allowing immediate discharge the moment a sprinkler head fuses.
Question 28: NYC Fire Code Section 403 applies specifically to which type of occupancy?
- All buildings with more than 6 stories
- Hotels and transient residential occupancies (Group R-1)
- Residential high-rise buildings (Group R)
- High-rise office buildings (Group B) with 75+ feet above grade (Correct answer)
Correct answer: High-rise office buildings (Group B) with 75+ feet above grade
NYC Fire Code Section 403 contains the specific requirements for high-rise office buildings (Business Group B occupancy) that exceed 75 feet in height above grade.
Question 29: An FLSD discovers a tenant has placed a space heater directly beneath a sprinkler head. What is the correct response?
- Document it in the next quarterly report
- Require immediate removal as it could prematurely activate the sprinkler (Correct answer)
- Lower building heat settings to compensate for the extra heat source
- Allow it if the heater is UL-listed
Correct answer: Require immediate removal as it could prematurely activate the sprinkler
Space heaters placed beneath sprinkler heads can prematurely activate or damage the heat-sensitive element, requiring immediate removal.
Question 30: How often must a main drain test be performed on a wet pipe sprinkler system per NFPA 25?
- Monthly
- Quarterly
- Every 5 years
- Annually (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Annually
NFPA 25 requires an annual main drain test to verify adequate water supply and detect potential obstructions in the sprinkler system piping.
Question 31: Which of the following is the correct order of evacuation priority in a high-rise building emergency?
- All floors simultaneously via all available stairwells
- Fire floor, floor above, floor below — then additional floors as directed (Correct answer)
- Top floors first, then middle floors, then lower floors
- Lobby level first, then upper floors in descending order
Correct answer: Fire floor, floor above, floor below — then additional floors as directed
Standard high-rise evacuation prioritizes the fire floor and immediately adjacent floors to remove those at greatest risk first.
Question 32: During a fire, a floor warden discovers that the stairwell door on their floor is locked and cannot be opened. The floor warden should:
- Use an emergency break-glass to override the door lock
- Continue the evacuation through the locked door area
- Kick the door open to allow occupant passage
- Immediately contact the FLSD, direct occupants to the alternate stairwell, and have someone check for a key (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Immediately contact the FLSD, direct occupants to the alternate stairwell, and have someone check for a key
A locked stairwell door during fire evacuation is a critical emergency. The floor warden contacts the FLSD immediately, redirects occupants to an alternate stairwell, and attempts to locate a key.
Question 33: Beyond conducting drills, what is a required method for educating all new building occupants about the building's fire safety and evacuation procedures?
- Having them sign an acknowledgement that they understand basic fire safety.
- Providing them with a copy of the Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan upon commencing occupancy. (Correct answer)
- Verbally briefing them during their security badge orientation.
- Requiring them to watch a safety video within 90 days of occupancy.
Correct answer: Providing them with a copy of the Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan upon commencing occupancy.
The NYC Fire Code requires that every new building occupant and employee must be provided with a copy of the fire safety plan upon arrival or commencement of their occupancy to ensure they are immediately aware of emergency procedures.
Question 34: A hazardous material spill is reported on the street directly outside the building's main entrance. FDNY has not yet arrived. Which action best demonstrates correct FLSD emergency decision-making?
- Do nothing until FDNY arrives and issues a formal directive
- Initiate shelter-in-place procedures, shut down HVAC air intakes, seal gaps under exterior doors, and await FDNY guidance (Correct answer)
- Open all windows on upper floors to ventilate any chemical vapors that may enter the building
- Order an immediate full building evacuation through the main entrance to move occupants away from the building
Correct answer: Initiate shelter-in-place procedures, shut down HVAC air intakes, seal gaps under exterior doors, and await FDNY guidance
An outdoor hazmat release calls for shelter-in-place, not evacuation through the contaminated area. Shutting down HVAC prevents outside contaminants from being drawn into the building. The FLSD should act immediately to protect occupants, then coordinate with FDNY when they arrive.
Question 35: A fire emergency occurs and the primary stairwell designated for evacuation is blocked by heavy smoke. What should the FLSD instruct floor wardens to do?
- Instruct occupants to return to their offices and shelter in place indefinitely
- Have occupants wait in the smoke-filled stairwell until the fire department clears it
- Allow occupants to use the elevator since the stairwell is unusable
- Direct occupants to use an alternate egress stairwell and notify the fire department of the blocked stairwell (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Direct occupants to use an alternate egress stairwell and notify the fire department of the blocked stairwell
Alternate stairwells must be used when the primary route is compromised, and the fire department must be informed immediately of the blocked egress path.
Question 36: Besides fire emergencies, the Fire Life Safety Director is also responsible for implementing the Emergency Action Plan for which of the following scenarios?
- Power outages and active shooter incidents. (Correct answer)
- Tenant disputes and noise complaints.
- Scheduled elevator maintenance.
- Routine water shutoffs for plumbing repairs.
Correct answer: Power outages and active shooter incidents.
The FLSD's role has expanded to include non-fire emergencies, which are covered under the Emergency Action Plan (EAP). These include serious situations that threaten building occupants, such as power outages, natural disasters, explosions, biological threats, and active shooter incidents. The other options are building management or maintenance issues, not EAP events.
Question 37: A building's Fire Safety/Evacuation Plan (FS/EP) includes a 'Special Needs Registry.' What is this registry's primary purpose?
- To list contractors who have access to mechanical rooms for maintenance
- To record all past fire drill participation rates by floor
- To track employees who have received CPR/AED certification
- To document occupants who may require assistance during evacuation so wardens and FDNY are prepared in advance (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To document occupants who may require assistance during evacuation so wardens and FDNY are prepared in advance
The Special Needs Registry is a pre-emergency planning tool that identifies occupants (permanent or temporary) who may need evacuation assistance — due to mobility, sensory, or cognitive impairments — so that floor wardens can be assigned and FDNY can be immediately informed during an incident.
Question 38: You should know where some of the fire exits are in case of a fire or other emergency.
- False (Correct answer)
- True
Correct answer: False
Knowing the location of fire exits is crucial in case of a fire or emergency situation. This knowledge allows individuals to quickly and safely evacuate the premises. However, the given statement suggests that one should only know the location of all fire exits to ensure the safety of oneself and others. Therefore, the correct answer is False.
Question 39: A warden reports smoke in the 18th floor stairwell. The FLSD should FIRST instruct occupants attempting to use that stairwell to:
- Wait in the stairwell for the fire department
- Proceed down through the smoke quickly
- Go to the roof and await helicopter rescue
- Return to their floor and use an alternate stairwell (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Return to their floor and use an alternate stairwell
Occupants should never enter a smoke-filled stairwell; they should return to the floor and use an alternate egress route.
Question 40: During FDNY firefighting operations, the FLSD is asked to operate Phase II in a specific elevator. This means the FLSD should:
- Release all elevators from Phase I and return them to normal service
- Enter the elevator and operate it using the Phase II key switch inside the car as directed by FDNY (Correct answer)
- Use the fire command station to activate Phase II controls for the entire building
- Insert the Phase II key in the elevator machine room to control all cars remotely
Correct answer: Enter the elevator and operate it using the Phase II key switch inside the car as directed by FDNY
Phase II operation is performed by a person inside the elevator car using the car's Phase II key switch — giving manual control of that individual elevator.
Question 41: The FLSD is required to maintain a Fire Safety Log that documents:
- Financial records for fire safety equipment purchases
- Staff personal certifications and training certificates
- All fire drills, system tests, incidents, impairments, and corrective actions (Correct answer)
- Only FDNY inspection results and violations
Correct answer: All fire drills, system tests, incidents, impairments, and corrective actions
The Fire Safety Log must contain comprehensive records of all fire safety activities including drills, system testing, incidents, equipment impairments, and corrective actions taken.
Question 42: Which type of sprinkler head responds most rapidly due to its smaller thermal sensing element?
- Quick response (Correct answer)
- Large drop
- Extended coverage
- Standard response
Correct answer: Quick response
Quick response sprinkler heads have a smaller glass bulb or fusible link that activates faster than standard response heads, improving early fire suppression and life safety.
Question 43: What does the acronym "FEMA" stand for in the context of fire safety?
- Fire Evacuation and Management Association
- Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Association
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (Correct answer)
- Fire Equipment Manufacturers Association
Correct answer: Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA stands for Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. government agency responsible for coordinating responses to disasters and emergencies, including fire-related incidents. The other options are invented names that sound plausible but do not represent any real organization. FEMA is a well-established federal agency and its full name should be memorized.
Question 44: During a high-rise fire, occupants should be instructed to check a closed door before opening it by:
- Smelling for smoke at the door gap
- Using the back of their hand to feel the door and doorknob for heat (Correct answer)
- Opening the door a crack and checking for smoke
- Looking under the door for visible flames
Correct answer: Using the back of their hand to feel the door and doorknob for heat
Before opening any door during a fire, feel it with the back of your hand — if it is hot, the fire may be on the other side. The back of the hand is used because palm burns can impair grip.
Question 45: A deputy fire safety director is performing FLSD duties and encounters an emergency they are unsure how to handle. They should:
- Contact the FLSD immediately for guidance while continuing to take appropriate immediate actions (Correct answer)
- Handle the situation as best they can without contacting the FLSD to avoid appearing incompetent
- Evacuate the building and call 911 for any uncertain situation
- Wait for the FLSD to return before taking any action
Correct answer: Contact the FLSD immediately for guidance while continuing to take appropriate immediate actions
Deputies should contact the FLSD for guidance on complex situations while simultaneously taking appropriate immediate safety actions — no emergency should wait for the FLSD to physically arrive.
Question 46: A person collapses in the building lobby and is unresponsive. The FLSD should first:
- Call 911, send someone for an AED, and begin CPR if trained (Correct answer)
- Move the person to a safe area before calling for help
- Administer CPR immediately before calling 911
- Wait for FDNY to arrive before beginning any intervention
Correct answer: Call 911, send someone for an AED, and begin CPR if trained
The correct sequence is to call 911, retrieve the AED, and begin CPR if trained — these steps can happen simultaneously with proper staff coordination.
Question 47: In a NYC high-rise, the preferred method for determining the location of a fire when the alarm activates is:
- Waiting for visible smoke to determine which floor has the fire
- Asking building occupants which floor smells like smoke
- Manually searching each floor from top to bottom
- Reading the fire alarm control panel at the fire command station to identify the activated device (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Reading the fire alarm control panel at the fire command station to identify the activated device
The fire alarm control panel at the fire command station identifies exactly which detector or pull station activated and on which floor, providing immediate location information.
Question 48: An evacuation chair (stair chair) used to assist mobility-impaired occupants should be:
- Stored in a locked mechanical room accessible only to building management
- Located on each floor near the stairwell entrance and included in staff training (Correct answer)
- Deployed only by certified physical therapists during an evacuation
- Kept at the lobby security desk for use only when FDNY requests it
Correct answer: Located on each floor near the stairwell entrance and included in staff training
Evacuation chairs must be strategically pre-positioned near stairwells on floors where they are likely to be needed, and floor wardens must be trained in their use before an emergency. Centralizing them in one location or restricting use to specialists negates their value during a fast-moving evacuation.
Question 49: The FLSD should conduct a 'tabletop exercise' with floor wardens to:
- Practice operating fire alarm equipment on a scale model of the building
- Show wardens video training materials while seated at tables
- Walk through emergency scenarios verbally to identify gaps in knowledge and procedures without a physical drill (Correct answer)
- Test physical fitness by timing stairwell descent
Correct answer: Walk through emergency scenarios verbally to identify gaps in knowledge and procedures without a physical drill
Tabletop exercises are discussion-based scenario walkthroughs that test knowledge and identify procedural gaps without requiring a physical evacuation drill.
Question 50: During a high-rise fire emergency, a tenant reports that a person in a wheelchair is stranded on the 18th floor. What is the FLSD's priority action?
- Guide them to the nearest Area of Rescue Assistance and notify the fire department (Correct answer)
- Wait until the fire is controlled before addressing mobility-impaired occupants
- Tell them to evacuate using the stairwell without assistance
- Direct the person to use the elevator immediately
Correct answer: Guide them to the nearest Area of Rescue Assistance and notify the fire department
Areas of Rescue Assistance are designated safe locations where mobility-impaired occupants wait for fire department assistance during evacuations.
Question 51: When a new building opens or an FLSD starts at a new building, their first priority should be to:
- Thoroughly read and understand the approved fire safety plan and conduct a complete building walk-through (Correct answer)
- Test all fire alarm devices to verify they are working
- Schedule a full building evacuation drill within the first week
- Contact all tenants to introduce themselves
Correct answer: Thoroughly read and understand the approved fire safety plan and conduct a complete building walk-through
An FLSD's first priority at a new building is to thoroughly understand the fire safety plan and conduct a complete walk-through to learn the building's layout, systems, and equipment locations.
Question 52: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a pre-fire plan for a high-rise building?
- A document listing the building owner's insurance coverage details
- A schedule for annual fire drills only
- A marketing plan for fire safety equipment vendors
- A document provided to the fire department detailing building layout, hazards, and emergency systems (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A document provided to the fire department detailing building layout, hazards, and emergency systems
A pre-fire plan gives responding firefighters critical information about building layout, occupancy, hazards, and the location of fire protection systems.
Question 53: A bomb threat is received by telephone at the building. The FLSD should:
- Ignore the call as most bomb threats are hoaxes
- Conduct a building sweep and report findings to management
- Immediately evacuate the entire building via fire alarm
- Keep the caller on the line as long as possible, note details, then call NYPD (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Keep the caller on the line as long as possible, note details, then call NYPD
The FLSD or staff receiving a bomb threat should keep the caller talking to gather information (location, time, type of bomb), then immediately notify NYPD.
Question 54: How does a deluge sprinkler system differ from other sprinkler system types?
- All sprinkler heads are open and water flows from every head simultaneously upon activation (Correct answer)
- It uses dry chemicals instead of water
- It activates only in the single zone where fire is detected
- It requires manual activation by the FLSD before water discharges
Correct answer: All sprinkler heads are open and water flows from every head simultaneously upon activation
In a deluge system all sprinkler heads are open (no fusible elements), so when the system activates, water flows simultaneously from every head in the protected area.
Question 55: What type of FDNY Certificate of Fitness is required for a Fire Life Safety Director in New York City?
- F-89 (Correct answer)
- F-99
- F-01
- F-60
Correct answer: F-89
The F-89 Certificate of Fitness specifically authorizes an individual to serve as a Fire Life Safety Director under FDNY rules.
Question 56: What color coding indicates a sprinkler head rated for ordinary temperature service (135–170°F)?
- Blue band
- Yellow or green band
- Uncolored (natural brass) (Correct answer)
- Red band
Correct answer: Uncolored (natural brass)
Sprinkler heads in the ordinary temperature range (135–170°F) have no color coding and appear as natural brass or uncolored, per NFPA 13 color coding standards.
Question 57: The FLSD notices that a section of the building's evacuation route has new construction blocking part of the corridor. The FLSD should:
- Notify floor wardens verbally of the temporary route change
- Immediately halt the construction until an alternate egress route is approved by FDNY
- Allow the construction to continue as it is temporary
- Post a detour sign and update the route in the fire safety plan temporarily (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Post a detour sign and update the route in the fire safety plan temporarily
The FLSD must post clear detour signage immediately, update the temporary evacuation route in the fire safety log, inform floor wardens, and verify the alternate route provides compliant egress.
Question 58: A hearing-impaired tenant cannot hear the building's audible fire alarm. The FLSD's emergency plan should include which accommodation?
- Relying on co-workers to informally pass along alarm information
- Expecting the tenant to self-identify to the FLSD only after an emergency begins
- Pre-designating a trained floor warden to personally notify and assist the tenant during any alarm (Correct answer)
- Installing a separate independent alarm system purchased by the tenant
Correct answer: Pre-designating a trained floor warden to personally notify and assist the tenant during any alarm
The Fire Safety/Evacuation Plan must pre-identify occupants with disabilities and assign specific trained personnel to assist them. Relying on informal notification or self-identification during an active emergency is not a reliable life-safety plan.
Question 59: During an evacuation, building occupants descending a stairwell should be instructed to:
- Remove their shoes to move more quietly and quickly.
- Stay to the right to allow emergency responders to ascend. (Correct answer)
- Evacuate as quickly as possible, passing slower individuals.
- Form a single file line in the center of the stairs.
Correct answer: Stay to the right to allow emergency responders to ascend.
Standard emergency evacuation procedures dictate that occupants should stay to the right side of the stairwell when descending. This creates a clear path for firefighters and other emergency personnel to move up the stairs against the flow of evacuees, which is critical for an efficient and safe emergency response.
Question 60: During an active shooter event, law enforcement is the lead agency. What is the FLSD's most important role regarding medical emergencies while the situation is ongoing?
- To direct building engineers to shut down HVAC systems to prevent the spread of contaminants.
- To personally deliver first aid kits to victims throughout the building.
- To make public address announcements about first aid techniques.
- To act as a central communication hub, relaying information from occupants about injuries to the 911 operator and incident command. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To act as a central communication hub, relaying information from occupants about injuries to the 911 operator and incident command.
The FLSD's position at the Fire Command Center makes them the critical nexus for information. Their primary role is to coordinate communication, relaying details about the incident, including the location and number of potential victims, to first responders. This information is vital for the police and for staging the subsequent EMS response.
Question 61: Which of the following best describes the FLSD's role during a building hostage situation?
- Maintain communication with NYPD and control access to the building (Correct answer)
- Negotiate directly with the hostage-taker via the PA system
- Conduct a full building evacuation using fire alarm procedures
- Take direct action to intervene and protect hostages
Correct answer: Maintain communication with NYPD and control access to the building
The FLSD's role during a hostage situation is to support law enforcement — controlling building access, providing floor plans, and maintaining communication with NYPD command.
Question 62: Which class of fire extinguisher is required for electrical equipment fires?
- Class D — for combustible metals
- Class B — for flammable liquids and gases
- Class A — for ordinary combustibles
- Class C — for energized electrical equipment (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Class C — for energized electrical equipment
Class C extinguishers use non-conductive agents (CO2, dry chemical, or clean agent) that are safe to use on energized electrical equipment without the risk of electrical shock.
Question 63: The FLSD needs to test the fire alarm system's voice communication function. The proper procedure is to:
- Coordinate with the central station to place the system in test mode, then test all intercom stations (Correct answer)
- Test only during business hours with FDNY present
- Activate a pull station and see if the PA works
- Send a memo to tenants describing how the system works without actually testing it
Correct answer: Coordinate with the central station to place the system in test mode, then test all intercom stations
Voice communication testing must be coordinated with the central station (to prevent FDNY dispatch), then conducted systematically to test all intercom stations, stairwell phones, and two-way communication devices.
Question 64: In an active situation, which response sequence is recommended by most emergency preparedness guidelines?
- Hide, Fight, Run
- Call 911, Run, Hide.
- Run, Hide, Fight. (Correct answer)
- Fight, Hide, Run.
Correct answer: Run, Hide, Fight.
The 'Run, Hide, Fight' sequence is widely endorsed by emergency preparedness guidelines, including those from the Department of Homeland Security, for active threat situations. It prioritizes escape (Run) as the primary option, followed by seeking secure concealment (Hide) if escape isn't possible, and finally, self-defense (Fight) as a last resort when directly confronted. This sequence aims to maximize survival chances.
Question 65: A sprinkler head discharges in an unoccupied storage room on a weekend with no fire detected. What should the on-duty FLSD do first?
- Shut off the main water supply to the entire building immediately
- Investigate the discharge location, notify 9-1-1, and contact building management (Correct answer)
- Reset the fire alarm panel and resume normal operations
- Wait until Monday to report the incident to avoid unnecessary alarm
Correct answer: Investigate the discharge location, notify 9-1-1, and contact building management
An unexpected sprinkler discharge requires investigation for a potential hidden fire, immediate notification of 9-1-1, and escalation to building management.
Question 66: During a city-wide power failure, the building's emergency generator starts as designed. However, the FLSD is aware that the generator only provides power to certain essential systems. Which of the following systems is LEAST likely to be supported by the emergency generator?
- One elevator in each bank for firefighter service.
- Egress lighting in stairwells and hallways.
- The Fire Command Center and fire alarm system.
- Normal tenant lighting and wall outlets. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Normal tenant lighting and wall outlets.
Emergency generators are designed to power life safety systems. This includes the fire alarm control panel, egress lighting, and at least one elevator for FDNY use. Normal operational power, such as general tenant lighting and outlets for computers, is not considered a life safety system and is typically not connected to the emergency generator.
Question 67: After FDNY declares 'all clear' and the building is ready for re-occupancy, the FLSD should:
- Contact the building owner first and await authorization to re-open
- Immediately allow all occupants back into the building without further checks
- Reset the fire alarm system and leave the rest to building management
- Conduct a systematic re-entry, check the building for hazards, and brief occupants before they return (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Conduct a systematic re-entry, check the building for hazards, and brief occupants before they return
Re-entry after FDNY all-clear should be systematic — the FLSD checks for hazards (water damage, compromised structure), briefs floor wardens, and ensures safe re-occupancy before opening the building.
Question 68: After a complete building evacuation to the designated assembly area, what is the FLSD's most important life-safety function before FDNY clears the building for re-entry?
- Conduct a personal re-entry sweep of all stairwells to confirm they are clear
- Release floor wardens from duty and permit occupants to self-organize at the assembly point
- Coordinate with floor wardens to compile floor-by-floor headcounts and immediately report any unaccounted persons to FDNY incident command (Correct answer)
- Contact building management and insurance carriers to begin damage documentation
Correct answer: Coordinate with floor wardens to compile floor-by-floor headcounts and immediately report any unaccounted persons to FDNY incident command
Accurate headcounts compiled through the floor warden network allow the FLSD to tell FDNY exactly who may still be in the building. This information directly shapes the firefighter search-and-rescue priorities and can save lives.
Question 69: A floor warden who is scheduled to lead their floor during the upcoming fire drill calls in sick on drill day. The FLSD should:
- Designate a trained alternate warden or deputy warden to cover the floor for the drill (Correct answer)
- Postpone the entire building drill until all wardens are available
- Conduct the drill without any warden on that floor to test unassisted evacuation
- Cancel the drill for that floor and document that the warden was unavailable
Correct answer: Designate a trained alternate warden or deputy warden to cover the floor for the drill
The FLSD should designate a trained alternate warden to cover the absent warden's floor — every floor needs warden coverage during drills and actual emergencies.
Question 70: The FLSD's emergency preparedness planning should account for occupants who work after hours because:
- After-hours occupants must have separate fire safety training from daytime staff
- FDNY does not respond to buildings after normal business hours
- After-hours staff are exempt from fire safety plan requirements
- Floor warden coverage may be reduced, requiring modified emergency procedures for after-hours periods (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Floor warden coverage may be reduced, requiring modified emergency procedures for after-hours periods
After-hours staffing is typically much reduced, meaning normal floor warden coverage may not be available. Emergency procedures must account for this reduced staffing level.
Question 71: The FLSD must ensure that floor warden training materials are available in:
- English only, as required by FDNY regulations
- Spanish and Chinese only, per NYC requirements
- All languages spoken by building occupants where practicable (Correct answer)
- PDF format stored on the building intranet only
Correct answer: All languages spoken by building occupants where practicable
Fire safety information should be made available in the languages spoken by building occupants to ensure all occupants understand emergency procedures.
Question 72: According to Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) guidelines for civilians, if you are sheltering in place with an injured person during an active shooter event, what is the first and most critical step before providing aid?
- Check the victim's breathing and pulse.
- Ensure your own safety and confirm there is no immediate threat. (Correct answer)
- Call 911 and provide a detailed description of the injuries.
- Immediately apply a tourniquet to any bleeding wound.
Correct answer: Ensure your own safety and confirm there is no immediate threat.
The absolute first priority in any high-threat situation is scene safety. Before attempting to render aid, a rescuer must ensure their own safety to avoid becoming another casualty. In TECC, this is part of Direct Threat Care, where mitigating the threat and ensuring personal safety precedes all other medical actions except for self-aid.
Question 73: To verify that an occupant has received fire safety orientation, the FLSD should maintain:
- Annual test scores from written fire safety quizzes
- A signed acknowledgment form from each occupant confirming they received and understood the training (Correct answer)
- Video recordings of each orientation session
- Verbal confirmation from the occupant's supervisor
Correct answer: A signed acknowledgment form from each occupant confirming they received and understood the training
Signed acknowledgment forms provide documented proof that each occupant received and acknowledged fire safety orientation — this documentation is critical for FDNY compliance and liability purposes.
Question 74: The fire command station panel indicates an alarm on the 18th floor. The FLSD attempts to use the warden phone to reach the 18th-floor stairwell and receives no answer. What is the correct next action?
- Dispatch a trained staff member to physically investigate the 18th floor and report back (Correct answer)
- Wait 10 minutes for the floor warden to call in before taking further action
- Immediately evacuate the entire building from the lobby PA system
- Assume the alarm is a false activation and reset the panel
Correct answer: Dispatch a trained staff member to physically investigate the 18th floor and report back
Failure to reach a floor via warden phone does not mean the floor is clear — the warden may be absent, incapacitated, or the phone may be malfunctioning. The FLSD must send a trained staff member to physically verify conditions and report back so a proper response decision can be made.
Question 75: A warden phone (also called a firefighter telephone) in a high-rise building allows:
- Two-way voice communication between individual floors/stairwells and the fire command station (Correct answer)
- Remote locking of stairwell doors from the lobby during an evacuation
- Floor wardens to call the city's 911 dispatch center directly from any stairwell
- Automatic transmission of floor occupancy counts to the FDNY incident commander
Correct answer: Two-way voice communication between individual floors/stairwells and the fire command station
Warden phones (firefighter telephone systems) provide hardwired two-way voice communication between the fire command station and specific locations throughout the building — stairwells, elevator lobbies, mechanical rooms — allowing the FLSD and FDNY to coordinate without relying on cell phones or radio.
Question 76: According to NYC Fire Code, occupants in a high-rise should use a stairwell other than their normal stairwell when:
- They are on odd-numbered floors versus even-numbered floors
- The normally used stairwell has smoke, is blocked, or is directed by FDNY (Correct answer)
- They have mobility impairments and need a wider stairwell
- The building has more than 500 occupants on their floor
Correct answer: The normally used stairwell has smoke, is blocked, or is directed by FDNY
Occupants should use their designated stairwell unless it is compromised by smoke, blocked by hazards, or FDNY redirects them to a specific alternate stairwell.
Question 77: Which of the following conditions discovered during a building inspection represents a fire hazard requiring immediate correction?
- Stairwell doors with functional self-closing hardware
- Properly tagged fire extinguishers in designated locations
- Sprinkler heads installed at code-required spacing
- Accumulation of combustible materials in a mechanical room (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Accumulation of combustible materials in a mechanical room
Combustible material accumulation in mechanical rooms creates a significant ignition risk and must be corrected immediately.
Question 78: Stairwell pressurization systems in high-rise buildings are designed to:
- Activate sprinklers in stairwells to cool them during fire
- Push air into stairwells to prevent smoke infiltration during evacuation (Correct answer)
- Lock stairwell doors during fire emergencies to prevent occupant entry
- Automatically unlock all stairwell doors when alarms activate
Correct answer: Push air into stairwells to prevent smoke infiltration during evacuation
Stairwell pressurization systems inject air into enclosed stairwells to create positive pressure, preventing smoke from entering the primary evacuation routes.
Question 79: A tenant calls the fire command station to report smoke coming from under a closed office door on the 8th floor. No alarm has activated. What is the FLSD's first action?
- Call 9-1-1, initiate investigation, and prepare for possible evacuation (Correct answer)
- Send a maintenance worker to open the door and investigate
- Wait for the alarm system to activate before taking any action
- Announce a building-wide evacuation immediately
Correct answer: Call 9-1-1, initiate investigation, and prepare for possible evacuation
A report of smoke is a life-safety threat requiring immediate notification of 9-1-1 and preparation for evacuation, even without an alarm activation.
Question 80: In a high-rise building, a fire alarm is activated on the 10th floor. Standard procedure for a phased evacuation typically requires a public address system announcement directing the occupants of which floors to begin evacuation?
- The 10th floor and the floor immediately above and below (9, 10, 11). (Correct answer)
- All floors above the 10th floor.
- Only the 10th floor.
- The 10th floor, and the two floors above and two floors below (8, 9, 10, 11, 12).
Correct answer: The 10th floor and the floor immediately above and below (9, 10, 11).
While specific plans can vary, a common phased evacuation strategy in high-rise buildings is to evacuate the fire floor (the floor of alarm) plus the floors immediately above and below it. This approach minimizes the number of people in the stairwells at one time, preventing overcrowding and allowing for a more controlled evacuation. The occupants of other floors are typically instructed to stand by for further instructions.
Question 81: Which of the following must be documented in the FLS Logbook?
- Daily start and end times for all building maintenance staff.
- Records of all fire drills and FLS staff training sessions. (Correct answer)
- A list of all scheduled deliveries to the building for the week.
- The personal contact information of all building tenants.
Correct answer: Records of all fire drills and FLS staff training sessions.
The FLS Logbook is a formal record of compliance with fire safety regulations. It must contain entries for all fire drills, staff training, fire incidents, and the identification of on-duty FLS staff. The other options are related to general building management or security, but are not required components of the official FLS Logbook.
Question 82: What does it mean when a high-rise fire alarm activates with a 'temporal-3' audible pattern?
- Three short pulses followed by a pause — the standard fire alarm evacuation signal (Correct answer)
- A medical emergency has been detected on the floor
- The alarm is a supervisory signal requiring investigation only
- The alarm is in test mode and occupants should disregard it
Correct answer: Three short pulses followed by a pause — the standard fire alarm evacuation signal
The temporal-3 pattern (three short pulses repeated) is the standard ANSI/NFPA fire alarm evacuation signal — when occupants hear this pattern, they should treat it as a real fire emergency.
Question 83: Which document must be posted at the fire command station for FDNY reference?
- The approved Fire Safety Plan and floor plans showing fire protection equipment (Correct answer)
- A list of all current FLSD and deputy FLSD certificate numbers
- The building's tenant lease agreements
- The building's Certificate of Occupancy and inspection history
Correct answer: The approved Fire Safety Plan and floor plans showing fire protection equipment
The approved Fire Safety Plan and floor plans showing the location of all fire protection equipment must be posted at or near the fire command station for FDNY use during emergencies.
Question 84: The fire command station in a high-rise building provides the FLSD with the ability to:
- Generate automatic incident reports for FDNY
- Access tenant units and override electronic door locks
- Directly extinguish fires remotely using built-in suppression controls
- Monitor alarms, communicate with floors, and control building systems (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Monitor alarms, communicate with floors, and control building systems
The fire command station is the central control point where the FLSD monitors fire alarm signals, communicates with floor wardens via intercom, and controls building systems like elevators and HVAC.
Question 85: Under FDNY regulations, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a hazardous material stored in a building must be kept:
- Only in the FLSD's personal records off-site
- Filed exclusively with the NYC Department of Buildings
- On-site and readily accessible to emergency responders (Correct answer)
- Sealed inside the container the material is stored in
Correct answer: On-site and readily accessible to emergency responders
SDS documents must be maintained on-site and made immediately available to emergency responders (FDNY, EMS) so they can quickly determine appropriate treatment and suppression methods during an incident.
Question 86: What is the purpose of fire dampers in the building's air ducts?
- To prevent the spread of fire and smoke through ducts. (Correct answer)
- To assist with evacuation by clearing smoke from escape routes.
- To maintain temperature control during a fire.
- To regulate airflow for energy efficiency.
Correct answer: To prevent the spread of fire and smoke through ducts.
Fire dampers are critical passive fire protection devices installed in the ducts of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Their purpose is to automatically close upon detection of heat, creating a barrier that prevents the passage of fire and smoke through the ductwork from one fire compartment to another. This helps maintain the integrity of fire-rated walls and floors, containing the fire and protecting escape routes.
Question 87: The term 'fire watch' means:
- Using binoculars to watch for fires from the roof of a high-rise building
- The act of monitoring fire alarm signals at the fire command station overnight
- FDNY surveillance of buildings with repeated false alarms
- Continuous patrol of areas where fire protection systems are impaired to detect and report fires (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Continuous patrol of areas where fire protection systems are impaired to detect and report fires
Fire watch is the continuous patrol of areas where fire protection systems are out of service, performed by trained personnel who can detect and report fires before they spread.
Question 88: Rate-of-rise heat detectors are designed to activate when:
- The temperature rises faster than a predetermined rate (typically 12-15°F per minute) (Correct answer)
- The ambient temperature reaches a fixed threshold (e.g., 135°F)
- Smoke concentration reaches a specified optical density level
- Two separate heat sensors on the same device both reach threshold temperature
Correct answer: The temperature rises faster than a predetermined rate (typically 12-15°F per minute)
Rate-of-rise detectors respond to rapid temperature increases (typically more than 12-15°F per minute), catching fast-developing fires before they reach the fixed temperature threshold.
Question 89: Training records for fire drills and floor warden training must be retained for a minimum of:
- 1 year
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 6 months
- The duration of the FLSD's employment
Correct answer: 3 years
NYC Fire Code requires fire drill and training records to be maintained for a minimum of 3 years and available for FDNY inspection.
Question 90: An Area of Rescue Assistance (also called an Area of Refuge) in a high-rise building is designed to:
- Allow firefighters to stage equipment before entering a fire floor
- Provide a fire-protected location where mobility-impaired occupants can wait for assisted evacuation (Correct answer)
- Store evacuation chairs and medical equipment for use during emergencies
- Serve as a temporary command post for the FLSD during an evacuation
Correct answer: Provide a fire-protected location where mobility-impaired occupants can wait for assisted evacuation
An Area of Rescue Assistance is a protected space — typically in a stairwell landing or horizontal exit — where occupants who cannot use the stairs independently can wait safely for firefighter or trained staff assistance. Two-way communication to the fire command station is required.
Question 91: The FLSD's emergency contact list should be updated:
- Whenever there is a change in key personnel, tenants, or emergency contacts (Correct answer)
- After each fire drill regardless of whether changes occurred
- Only when FDNY requests a current copy
- Annually during the fire safety plan review
Correct answer: Whenever there is a change in key personnel, tenants, or emergency contacts
The emergency contact list must be updated whenever any changes occur in key personnel, tenant contacts, or utility/service provider contacts — not just on a fixed schedule.
Question 92: The PASS technique for using a portable fire extinguisher stands for:
- Pull, Alert, Suppress, Secure
- Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (Correct answer)
- Point, Aim, Squeeze, Spread
- Prepare, Activate, Spray, Stop
Correct answer: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep from side to side at the base of the flames.
Question 93: Which should you do if a fire exit is blocked during an evacuation?
- Take a different route
- Attempt to clear the obstruction
- Proceed to another exit (Correct answer)
- Wait for assistance
Correct answer: Proceed to another exit
If a fire exit is blocked, you should immediately proceed to the next available exit — this is exactly why buildings have multiple designated escape routes. Waiting for assistance or attempting to clear the obstruction wastes critical escape time. "Take a different route" is essentially the same as the correct answer and is likely a distractor, but the phrasing of "proceed to another exit" is the standard emergency protocol.
Question 94: A building occupant activates a pull station alarm as a prank. The FLSD should respond by:
- Responding as if the alarm is real, investigating, and after clearing — documenting the incident and considering referral to NYPD (Correct answer)
- Banning the prankster from the building permanently
- Resetting the alarm immediately to avoid disruption to tenants
- Ignoring the alarm after identifying the prankster
Correct answer: Responding as if the alarm is real, investigating, and after clearing — documenting the incident and considering referral to NYPD
Every alarm must be treated as real until proven otherwise. After clearing, the FLSD documents the false alarm, identifies the responsible party, and may refer the matter to NYPD as false alarm activation is a criminal offense.
Question 95: When making a public address announcement during a fire alarm, the FLSD should:
- Announce only the floor number on fire and leave all other decisions to occupants
- Use technical fire terminology so occupants understand the professional nature of the response
- Avoid any PA announcement until FDNY confirms the fire is real to prevent unnecessary evacuation
- Speak in calm, clear language with specific instructions for the floors being evacuated (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Speak in calm, clear language with specific instructions for the floors being evacuated
Effective PA announcements during an emergency must be calm (to prevent panic), clear (to be understood under stress), and specific (which floors to act and what action to take). Vague or delayed announcements increase confusion and slow evacuation of the correct areas.
Question 96: A floor warden's kit should contain which essential item for accounting for all occupants during an emergency?
- A current list of all occupants assigned to that floor (Correct answer)
- A master key to all office spaces on the floor
- The building's complete fire safety plan
- A portable fire extinguisher
Correct answer: A current list of all occupants assigned to that floor
The floor warden's kit must include a current occupant list so the floor warden can account for everyone assigned to their floor during evacuation or shelter-in-place.
Question 97: A Floor Warden, in communication with the FLSD via a warden phone, reports that an occupant on their floor refuses to evacuate during a fire alarm. What is the appropriate direction for the FLSD to give the Floor Warden?
- Note the occupant's location and continue with their own evacuation. (Correct answer)
- Physically force the occupant to leave the area.
- Remain with the occupant until the Fire Department arrives.
- Activate the sprinkler system manually on that floor.
Correct answer: Note the occupant's location and continue with their own evacuation.
The primary responsibility of a Floor Warden is their own safety and assisting with an orderly evacuation. They are not expected to use physical force or endanger themselves by remaining behind. The correct procedure is to inform the FLSD of the person's location, so this information can be relayed to the FDNY upon their arrival, and then the warden should proceed with their own evacuation.
Question 98: During a fire, smoke begins to infiltrate the floor where occupants are sheltering in place. The FLSD should advise these occupants to:
- Remain calm and wait — smoke will dissipate on its own
- Use a stairwell immediately regardless of smoke levels there
- Open windows to vent the smoke out of the space
- Move to an interior room, seal smoke entry points, and call 911 to update their location (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Move to an interior room, seal smoke entry points, and call 911 to update their location
When smoke infiltrates a shelter-in-place area, occupants should move deeper into the building interior, seal entry points, and update 911 with their exact location for rescue priority.
Question 99: Which of the following building systems should be inspected regularly to ensure proper fire safety compliance?
- Sprinklers systems. (Correct answer)
- Elevator safety systems.
- Emergency lighting systems. (Correct answer)
- HVAC systems. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Sprinklers systems.
Sprinkler systems are a critical active fire protection measure designed to automatically detect and suppress fires, significantly reducing damage and saving lives. Regular inspection of these systems is paramount to ensure they are fully operational and compliant with fire safety codes. Malfunctioning sprinklers can have catastrophic consequences during a fire emergency, making their inspection a top priority.
Question 100: The FLSD notices the fire command station phone line to the fire department is not functioning during a drill. What is the correct response?
- Replace the phone unit personally without notifying management
- Halt the drill, report the deficiency to building management, and ensure alternate communication methods are in place (Correct answer)
- Continue the drill and document the malfunction for later repair
- Assume the line will work during a real emergency since drills have different conditions
Correct answer: Halt the drill, report the deficiency to building management, and ensure alternate communication methods are in place
A non-functional fire command station communication line is a life-safety deficiency requiring immediate escalation and verification of backup communication methods.
FDNY Fire Life Safety Director (F-85/F-89)
This certification is required for individuals responsible for implementing and managing fire safety plans and emergency procedures in high-rise and other designated buildings in New York City, ensuring the safety of occupants during emergencies.
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Sources & references
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