F04 Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield F04 facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the fireguard's responsibility in relation to the building's fire safety plan? → They must be thoroughly familiar with the plan and follow it during any emergency
2. Under the NYC Fire Code, what must a fireguard do if an exit door is found locked during an assembly event? → Immediately require the door to be unlocked or stop the event
3. A Fireguard notices the building's standpipe system pressure gauge reads zero. What action is required? → Notify FDNY and initiate fire watch procedures immediately
4. What must be conspicuously posted at each entrance of a temporary place of assembly? → The maximum permitted occupant load
5. What is the primary method a fireguard must use to notify emergency services during an active fire? → Call 911 immediately
6. When calling 911 to report a fire, which information is most critical to provide first? → The exact address and location of the fire within the building
7. Which extinguishing agent is considered environmentally safe and is commonly used as an alternative to halon in clean agent fire suppression systems? → FM-200 (HFC-227ea)
8. Under NYC regulations, a fireguard who abandons their post without authorization during an event is subject to what consequence? → Disciplinary action including possible revocation of the Certificate of Fitness
9. What should a fireguard do if a patron becomes hostile when asked to extinguish a cigarette indoors? → Notify the supervisor or security staff and document the incident in the log
10. What is a 'Class A' occupancy under the NYC Building Code? → A building used for permanent residential occupancy (multiple dwelling)
11. What is the primary objective of having a medical preparedness plan in place for fire safety management? → To ensure timely medical treatment and response during and after a fire emergency
12. What is the minimum fire-resistance rating required for a vertical shaft enclosure (elevator shaft) in a high-rise building? → 2 hours
13. What is the function of a tamper switch installed on a sprinkler system control valve? → To send a supervisory signal when the valve is moved from the full-open position
14. If a fireguard's Certificate of Fitness has expired, may they legally continue performing fireguard duties? → No, performing duties with an expired certificate is a violation
15. What is a 'fire safety warden' vest or identifying item used for during an emergency? → To make the warden visually identifiable to occupants and FDNY during an evacuation
16. Which condition indicates a fire hazard from portable heating equipment? → Equipment placed within 18 inches of combustible materials
17. During a pre-event inspection, a row of chairs has been placed directly in front of an emergency exit door, blocking it. What must the fireguard do? → Require the chairs to be removed before any occupants are allowed into the space
18. When a fire alarm activates in a high-rise building, what is the FIRST action a staff warden should take? → Account for all occupants on their assigned floor
19. Which of the following is a valid reason for a Fireguard to manually activate the building fire alarm system? → Visible smoke or fire is detected that has not triggered the automatic system
20. A fireguard working at a place of assembly notices that the maximum occupant load sign has been removed. What should they do? → Report the missing sign to management and log it
21. A Fireguard who is required to be on duty does not appear for a scheduled event. The responsible party must: → Ensure a qualified replacement Fireguard is on duty before occupancy begins
22. An extinguisher labeled '2-A:10-B:C' — what does the '2-A' rating indicate? → It is equivalent to approximately 2.5 gallons of water on Class A fires
23. A fire starts in a trash compactor room. What type of extinguisher is most appropriate? → Class A dry chemical or water extinguisher
24. In a fire drill scenario, who is responsible for ensuring that all building systems, such as alarms and sprinklers, are functional? → The Fire Safety Director (FSD)
25. What does the term 'total evacuation' mean in the context of a high-rise emergency? → Complete evacuation of all building occupants from every floor
26. What type of door hardware is required on exit doors in places of assembly to allow emergency egress? → Panic hardware (push bar) or fire exit hardware
27. Which of the following extinguisher types is considered obsolete and must be removed from service? → Soda-acid extinguisher
28. What is the minimum width required for main aisles in a temporary place of assembly seating arrangement? → 44 inches
29. What must a fireguard do before an event opens to the public to verify legal compliance? → Verify that all exits are unobstructed and required fire safety equipment is in place
30. When an extinguisher is found with a broken or missing tamper seal on the safety pin, the fireguard should: → Remove it from service and have it professionally inspected before returning