F-03 Fire Alarm Systems and Notification Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a place of assembly event, the fire alarm system activates. Which action is INCORRECT for the Fire Guard?
- Direct occupants to the nearest exits
- Attempt to fight the fire before notifying FDNY (Correct answer)
- Notify FDNY by calling 911
- Keep exits clear and assist with orderly evacuation
Correct answer: Attempt to fight the fire before notifying FDNY
A Fire Guard should never attempt to fight a fire before notifying FDNY, as life safety and early notification always take priority over fire suppression efforts.
Question 2: What is the minimum required response when a Fire Guard hears a fire alarm and cannot immediately locate the source?
- Wait 10 minutes before calling FDNY in case it is a false alarm
- Call 911 to report the alarm and continue investigating (Correct answer)
- Silence the alarm to investigate without alarming guests
- Lock all exits until the source is found
Correct answer: Call 911 to report the alarm and continue investigating
FDNY must be notified immediately via 911 whenever a fire alarm activates, regardless of whether the source has been confirmed, and the investigation should continue simultaneously.
Question 3: At which location in a place of assembly is a fire alarm control panel typically found?
- Inside every restroom
- In a central, attended location such as a lobby or security station (Correct answer)
- On the roof for easy FDNY access
- Hidden from the public to prevent tampering
Correct answer: In a central, attended location such as a lobby or security station
Fire alarm control panels are typically located in attended, central areas such as lobbies or security stations so that trained personnel can monitor and respond to alarm signals.
Question 4: What action should a Fire Guard take if they discover a fire alarm pull station has been tampered with or vandalized?
- Place an 'out of order' sign on it and continue the shift
- Report the condition to the building owner and document it in the logbook (Correct answer)
- Repair it themselves using available tools
- Ignore it if the rest of the system appears functional
Correct answer: Report the condition to the building owner and document it in the logbook
Any damage or tampering with fire protection equipment must be reported to the building owner and logged, as it constitutes a fire code violation requiring professional repair.
Question 5: A fire alarm system uses audible and visual notification devices. What is the primary purpose of the visual (strobe) notification?
- To identify which floor the alarm originated from
- To alert individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing (Correct answer)
- To signal that the building is all-clear after an alarm
- To indicate the severity level of the fire
Correct answer: To alert individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
Visual strobe notification devices are designed to alert individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing so that all occupants receive the fire alarm signal.
Question 6: Under NYC regulations, how soon after a fire alarm activation must the FDNY be notified?
- Within 30 minutes if no fire is found
- Immediately upon activation (Correct answer)
- Only after investigating and confirming a fire
- Within 10 minutes if the alarm persists
Correct answer: Immediately upon activation
FDNY must be notified immediately upon any fire alarm activation — notification cannot be delayed while an investigation is conducted.
Question 7: What information should a Fire Guard provide to FDNY when calling 911 to report a fire alarm?
- Only the building address
- The building address, type of occupancy, and nature of the alarm (Correct answer)
- The names of all guests currently in the building
- The alarm panel model number and maintenance history
Correct answer: The building address, type of occupancy, and nature of the alarm
When calling 911, the Fire Guard should provide the building address, type of occupancy, and description of the alarm condition so FDNY can respond appropriately.
F-03 Fire Alarm Systems and Notification Procedures 2
During a place of assembly event, the fire alarm system activates.
Which action is INCORRECT for the Fire Guard?