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. Which of the following conditions would require an FLSD to place the fire alarm system in a 'partial system impairment' notification? → A single detector in an unoccupied storage room is temporarily removed for maintenance
2. A photoelectric smoke detector operates by: → Detecting light scattered by smoke particles entering a sensing chamber
3. 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
4. A 'waterflow alarm' on a fire alarm panel indicates: → Water is flowing through the sprinkler system — a sprinkler head has likely activated
5. Under FDNY regulations, how often must fire safety drills be conducted in a high-rise office building? → Twice per year
6. 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
7. During a bomb threat, who has final authority to order an evacuation of the building? → The NYPD or FDNY Incident Commander on scene
8. A sprinkler head activates on the 15th floor. Which combination of actions should the FLSD take FIRST? → Confirm the alarm, notify the fire department, and investigate the activated floor
9. When must a fire pump be tested as part of a building's fire suppression maintenance program? → Weekly for flow testing and annually for full performance testing
10. 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
11. Under New York City fire code, how often must a high-rise office building conduct fire evacuation drills? → Twice per year, with at least one occurring during business hours
12. Which type of fire suppression agent is most appropriate for protecting a server room with sensitive electronic equipment? → Clean agent (e.g., FM-200 or Novec 1230)
13. Which of the following should be included in an emergency action plan (EAP)? → Evacuation routes and assembly points.
14. What is the correct FLSD response when the fire alarm activates but a preliminary investigation reveals no visible signs of fire or smoke? → Continue treating the alarm as real, maintain emergency procedures, and await FDNY
15. Heat detectors are preferred over smoke detectors in which type of building area? → Kitchens, cooking areas, and other locations where smoke is normally present
16. Which communication tools should an FLSD use during an emegency? → Public address (PA) system.
17. An FLSD's Certificate of Fitness is expiring in 30 days. The FLSD has not yet registered for a renewal exam. What is the correct course of action? → Immediately schedule and pass the renewal exam before the expiration date
18. What is the primary objective or fire safety? → Preserve human life
19. What is the role of the FLSD during a fire alarm activation in a high-rise building? → Assume the role of Incident Commander.
20. A new tenant's employees refuse to participate in a scheduled fire drill. What is the FLSD's proper course of action? → Coordinate with building management to enforce tenant lease obligations regarding drills
21. When you operate a fire extinguisher, you must pull, aim, squeeze and __________. → Sweep
22. When conducting fire drills, how often should high-rise buildings conduct these drills as per typical fire safety codes? → Annually.
23. During a fire emergency, the FLSD is told that the building's emergency generator failed to start. Which building system is MOST immediately at risk? → Exit signs and emergency lighting
24. Under NFPA 72, what is the maximum allowable distance between heat detectors in a smooth-ceiling area with a standard 10-foot ceiling height? → 50 feet between detectors in any direction
25. 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.
26. 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
27. The FLSD's emergency contact list should be updated: → Whenever there is a change in key personnel, tenants, or emergency contacts
28. The fire alarm system activates but the building fire pump fails to start automatically. What is the FLSD's immediate priority? → Notify the fire department and initiate evacuation procedures
29. A building's HVAC system is equipped with smoke dampers. When should these dampers close during a fire event? → When a smoke detector in the duct or associated zone activates
30. A carbon monoxide (CO) detector integrated into a fire alarm system activates. What action should an FLSD take FIRST? → Investigate the source of CO, ventilate the area, and notify the fire department