Emergency and Evacuation Procedures Flashcards

Under what circumstance should stairwell doors be propped open during a fire evacuation?

Answer: Stairwell doors should never be propped open during a fire

Stairwell doors must never be propped open during a fire because they act as fire and smoke barriers that protect the stairwell as a safe egress path.

Which scenario would typically trigger a 'shelter in place' order rather than a full evacuation?

Answer: A hazardous materials release outside the building where outdoor air is contaminated

An outdoor hazardous materials release may make it safer to shelter inside with windows sealed than to evacuate occupants into contaminated outdoor air.

How should staff wardens communicate with each other and the Fire Safety Director during an emergency evacuation?

Answer: Via the building's warden communication system, two-way radios, or designated intercom stations

Wardens must use the building's designated communication system — typically two-way radios or intercom stations — to ensure reliable coordination during emergencies.

What should a staff warden do if they encounter heavy smoke while conducting a floor sweep?

Answer: Immediately retreat, close doors behind them, and report conditions to the Fire Safety Director

If a warden encounters heavy smoke, they must retreat immediately, close doors to contain the smoke, and report conditions to the Fire Safety Director rather than risk their own life.

What is a 'fire safety warden' vest or identifying item used for during an emergency?

Answer: To make the warden visually identifiable to occupants and FDNY during an evacuation

High-visibility vests or identifying items allow occupants to quickly recognize and follow staff wardens and help FDNY identify key personnel on scene.

A fire alarm activates and occupants begin using the elevator to evacuate. What should the staff warden do?

Answer: Immediately redirect occupants away from the elevator and to the nearest safe stairwell

Occupants must be immediately redirected away from elevators to stairwells because elevators can fail due to heat, power loss, or FDNY recall during a fire.

After a building evacuation, who has the authority to authorize occupants to re-enter the building?

Answer: The FDNY Incident Commander on scene

Only the FDNY Incident Commander can authorize re-entry to a building after an emergency, as they are responsible for confirming the scene is safe.