FLSD Emergency Preparedness 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: An 'area of refuge' in a high-rise building is defined as:

Any room with a fire-resistant door that can be locked from inside
A fire-rated space where mobility-impaired occupants can wait safely for rescue assistance (Correct answer)
The ground floor lobby designated as a safe meeting area
A pressurized stairwell available for all occupants to shelter in

Correct answer: A fire-rated space where mobility-impaired occupants can wait safely for rescue assistance

Areas of refuge are fire-rated spaces, typically adjacent to stairwells, equipped with two-way communication to the fire command station, where mobility-impaired occupants await FDNY rescue assistance.

Areas of refuge are required in buildings subject to accessibility requirements and are specifically designed to accommodate people who cannot use stairs. Requirements include: fire-rated separation from the rest of the floor, sufficient space for wheelchairs, two-way communication system connected to the fire command station, signage identifying the area, and instructions for use. The FLSD trains floor wardens to direct mobility-impaired occupants to these areas and to communicate occupant locations to FDNY upon their arrival.

Question 2: The FLSD's emergency contact list should be updated:

Only when FDNY requests a current copy
Whenever there is a change in key personnel, tenants, or emergency contacts (Correct answer)
Annually during the fire safety plan review
After each fire drill regardless of whether changes occurred

Correct answer: Whenever there is a change in key personnel, tenants, or emergency contacts

The emergency contact list must be updated whenever any changes occur in key personnel, tenant contacts, or utility/service provider contacts — not just on a fixed schedule.

The emergency contact list is a critical tool that must be immediately useful in a crisis. Outdated contacts waste precious time during emergencies. The FLSD maintains current contacts for: building owner and management, all tenant emergency contacts, FDNY and NYPD non-emergency lines, elevator service company, sprinkler/alarm service company, gas company, electrical utility, building engineer/super, and all deputy FLSDs. A change notification process — such as requiring tenants to inform the FLSD of contact changes within 48 hours — helps keep the list current.

Question 3: For a high-rise building, the designated 'safe floor' during Phase I elevator recall is typically:

The top floor of the building
The floor immediately below the fire floor
The ground floor lobby level (Correct answer)
The first floor above the ground level lobby

Correct answer: The ground floor lobby level

The designated recall floor for Phase I elevator recall is typically the ground floor lobby level, where FDNY can take control of elevators for firefighting operations.

The Phase I recall floor (also called the designated level) is established during building design and specified in the elevator's Certificate of Operation. In most buildings, this is the ground floor lobby level. All elevators return to this floor, park with doors open, and await FDNY use. Some buildings may have a different designated level due to building configuration (e.g., a building with a parking garage below street level). The FLSD must know the designated recall floor for their specific building.

Question 4: During a gas leak in a high-rise building, the FLSD should:

Activate the fire alarm to warn occupants of the danger
Evacuate affected areas, avoid activating electrical switches, and call 911 and Con Edison (Correct answer)
Open all windows on affected floors to dilute the gas concentration
Locate and manually shut the main gas valve before calling for help

Correct answer: Evacuate affected areas, avoid activating electrical switches, and call 911 and Con Edison

Gas leaks require evacuation of affected areas, avoiding all electrical switches (which could spark an ignition), calling 911 and Con Edison, and keeping people away from the source.

Natural gas is explosive when mixed with air in concentrations of 5-15%. The FLSD's gas emergency protocol: (1) evacuate people from the affected area immediately; (2) do not activate any electrical switches, including light switches (sparks can ignite gas); (3) do not use elevators in the gas-affected area; (4) call 911 and Con Edison immediately; (5) ventilate if safe to do so (open doors/windows) but do not use fans or HVAC systems; (6) do not re-enter until Con Edison and FDNY declare the area safe. The fire alarm should not be activated as it introduces electrical activity.

Question 5: The FLSD's role during a building power outage is to:

Restore power by resetting the main electrical breakers
Ensure emergency lighting activates, account for all occupants, and coordinate with building engineers (Correct answer)
Immediately evacuate the building using the fire alarm system
Contact Con Edison and wait for power restoration before taking any action

Correct answer: Ensure emergency lighting activates, account for all occupants, and coordinate with building engineers

During a power outage, the FLSD ensures emergency lighting systems activate, accounts for occupant safety, and coordinates with engineers — evacuation is not automatically required.

Power outages require the FLSD to: (1) verify emergency lighting and exit signs have activated (battery backup must provide 90 minutes); (2) verify the emergency generator has started and transferred load (within 10 seconds); (3) use the PA system to inform occupants — reassure them or provide instructions; (4) coordinate with building engineers on estimated restoration time; (5) assess whether the outage affects any fire protection systems; (6) consider evacuation if the outage is extended or if fire protection systems are compromised. The FLSD should NOT reset electrical systems unless trained to do so.

Question 6: Which document must be posted at the fire command station for FDNY reference?

The building's tenant lease agreements
The approved Fire Safety Plan and floor plans showing fire protection equipment (Correct answer)
A list of all current FLSD and deputy FLSD certificate numbers
The building's Certificate of Occupancy and inspection history

Correct answer: The approved Fire Safety Plan and floor plans showing fire protection equipment

The approved Fire Safety Plan and floor plans showing the location of all fire protection equipment must be posted at or near the fire command station for FDNY use during emergencies.

NYC Fire Code requires that the fire command station have readily available: the approved Fire Safety Plan, floor plans for each story showing exit locations, stairwell identifications, areas of refuge, fire protection equipment (extinguishers, hose connections, alarm pull stations, detector locations), and the names and contact information for the FLSD and deputy FLSDs. FDNY uses this information immediately upon arrival to coordinate firefighting and rescue operations. The FLSD ensures these documents are current and legible.

FLSD Emergency Preparedness 2

An 'area of refuge' in a high-rise building is defined as: