F89 Active Shooter Emergency Response

Question 1

During an active shooter incident in a high-rise building, what is the Fire and Life Safety Director's FIRST priority upon receiving notification?

Accepted Answer

Notify FDNY and building security, then assess whether to evacuate or shelter-in-place based on shooter location

Answer

The FLSD must first notify FDNY and security, then make an informed decision about evacuation versus shelter-in-place based on the shooter's known or suspected location. A blanket evacuation could move occupants toward the threat; that decision requires situational awareness. The FLSD must never personally respond to the incident location.

Question 2

The 'Run, Hide, Fight' framework for active shooter response assigns which option as the LAST resort?

Accepted Answer

Fight — physically confront or disrupt the shooter

Answer

'Fight' is the absolute last resort, used only when an occupant cannot run or hide and their life is in imminent danger. The framework prioritizes evacuation first, then concealment, then physical resistance only if no other option exists.

Question 3

When law enforcement arrives at a building during an active shooter event, how should the Fire and Life Safety Director interact with officers?

Accepted Answer

Remain at the Fire Command Center, provide building layout and last known shooter location, and follow all law enforcement directions

Answer

The FLSD's role is to be a resource at the FCC — providing floor plans, elevator control, and intelligence — while deferring all tactical decisions to law enforcement. The FLSD must not enter the threat zone or make tactical decisions that belong to responding officers.

Question 4

During an active shooter incident, an occupant calls the Fire Command Center to report that she is hiding in a locked office on the 14th floor. What should the FLSD tell her?

Accepted Answer

Stay in place, silence her phone, barricade the door if possible, and await further instructions

Answer

When an occupant has successfully hidden in a secured space, the correct guidance is to stay hidden, silence communications that could reveal their location, reinforce their barricade, and wait. Moving through corridors or stairwells during an active threat is more dangerous than remaining sheltered.

Question 5

Which of the following is the Fire and Life Safety Director responsible for AFTER law enforcement clears the building following an active shooter event?

Accepted Answer

Documenting the incident, accounting for all occupants, and coordinating re-entry only after receiving clearance from FDNY and law enforcement

Answer

Post-incident, the FLSD must account for all occupants, document the event, and coordinate with FDNY and law enforcement before authorizing any re-entry. Re-occupancy without official clearance is prohibited and could compromise ongoing law enforcement activities.

F89 - Fire and Life Safety Director Practice Test

F89 - Fire and Life Safety Director Practice Test

F89 Active Shooter Emergency Response