FLSD Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A photoelectric smoke detector operates by: → Detecting light scattered by smoke particles entering a sensing chamber
2. A building decides to conduct an unannounced fire drill. What is the FLSD's responsibility? → Ensure floor wardens know it is a drill even if tenants are not pre-notified
3. A 'waterflow alarm' on a fire alarm panel indicates: → Water is flowing through the sprinkler system — a sprinkler head has likely activated
4. The term 'supervisory signal' on a fire alarm panel most commonly indicates: → A monitored condition has changed, such as a sprinkler control valve being closed
5. Which of the following conditions discovered during a building inspection represents a fire hazard requiring immediate correction? → Accumulation of combustible materials in a mechanical room
6. Which of the following should be included in an emergency action plan (EAP)? → Evacuation routes and assembly points.
7. Heat detectors are preferred over smoke detectors in which type of building area? → Kitchens, cooking areas, and other locations where smoke is normally present
8. Which communication tools should an FLSD use during an emegency? → Public address (PA) system.
9. What is the primary objective or fire safety? → Preserve human life
10. What is the role of the FLSD during a fire alarm activation in a high-rise building? → Assume the role of Incident Commander.
11. When you operate a fire extinguisher, you must pull, aim, squeeze and __________. → Sweep
12. When conducting fire drills, how often should high-rise buildings conduct these drills as per typical fire safety codes? → Annually.
13. What is the primary purpose of a fire alarm control panel in a building? → To monitor and indicate the status of the fire alarm devices throughout the building.
14. Which of the following must be recorded in the FLSD fire safety log after each fire alarm activation? → Time of alarm, cause of activation, and actions taken
15. The FLSD's emergency contact list should be updated: → Whenever there is a change in key personnel, tenants, or emergency contacts
16. What is the significance of the FDNY battalion chief designating a 'staging area' during a high-rise fire response? → It is where FDNY positions equipment and personnel for deployment to the fire floor
17. Which class of fire extinguisher is required for electrical equipment fires? → Class C — for energized electrical equipment
18. Which type of sprinkler head responds fastest to heat and is typically used in high-hazard areas? → Quick response sprinkler (RTI ≤ 50)
19. Portable fire extinguishers in a high-rise building must be inspected by a qualified person: → Annually, with monthly visual checks by building staff
20. Class B fire extinguisher are designed for use on combustible metals. → False
21. During an active shooter event in a high-rise building, the Fire Life Safety Director should first: → Notify FDNY and implement shelter-in-place for floors not in danger
22. When a sprinkler system is taken out of service for planned maintenance, what is the FLSD required to do? → Notify the FDNY and implement a fire watch
23. 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
24. A Class II standpipe system provides 1.5-inch hose stations intended for use by which group? → Building occupants for initial fire attack
25. A 'pre-action' sprinkler system differs from a standard wet pipe system in that it: → Requires both a detector activation AND a sprinkler head to open before water flows
26. The fire command station in a high-rise building provides the FLSD with the ability to: → Monitor alarms, communicate with floors, and control building systems
27. When a sprinkler system must be taken out of service for maintenance, what must the FLSD implement per NFPA 25? → An impairment program that includes a fire watch
28. A fire alarm control panel shows a 'trouble' signal. This indicates: → A system fault — wiring issue, power problem, or device malfunction
29. During a water main break causing flooding on multiple floors, the FLSD should prioritize which action? → Locating and shutting the main building water supply valve to stop the flooding
30. An occupant reports a suspicious package in the lobby. The FLSD's first action should be to: → Evacuate only the lobby area and call NYPD