FLSD Safety Emergency Response 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the correct order of evacuation priority in a high-rise building emergency?
- Top floors first, then middle floors, then lower floors
- Fire floor, floor above, floor below — then additional floors as directed (Correct answer)
- Lobby level first, then upper floors in descending order
- All floors simultaneously via all available stairwells
Correct answer: Fire floor, floor above, floor below — then additional floors as directed
Standard high-rise evacuation prioritizes the fire floor and immediately adjacent floors to remove those at greatest risk first.
Question 2: Under what condition may an FLSD authorize the use of elevators for evacuation during a building fire?
- Whenever the elevator is functioning normally
- Never — elevators are not used for occupant evacuation during fires
- Only if the elevator is designated an 'occupant evacuation elevator' per code (Correct answer)
- Only for occupants above the 30th floor
Correct answer: Only if the elevator is designated an 'occupant evacuation elevator' per code
Occupant Evacuation Elevators (OEEs) are a specific code-compliant designation; standard elevators are not used for fire evacuation.
Question 3: An occupant with a mobility impairment cannot use the stairwell during an evacuation. Where should the FLSD direct them to wait?
- In the nearest restroom
- At an Area of Rescue Assistance (ARA) on their floor (Correct answer)
- On the roof for helicopter access
- In the main lobby elevator bank
Correct answer: At an Area of Rescue Assistance (ARA) on their floor
Areas of Rescue Assistance are designated safe zones where mobility-impaired occupants wait for FDNY assistance during evacuation.
Question 4: When the Incident Commander (FDNY) arrives on scene, what is the FLSD's primary obligation?
- Continue independent emergency operations without interruption
- Transfer command and control to the Incident Commander and provide building information (Correct answer)
- Evacuate the building control room and leave the premises
- Contact the building owner for further instructions
Correct answer: Transfer command and control to the Incident Commander and provide building information
Upon FDNY arrival, the FLSD must support the IC by providing the FSEP, building layout, and other critical information, deferring authority to FDNY.
Question 5: A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm sounds in a high-rise building. Which action is MOST appropriate for the FLSD?
- Treat as a false alarm and reset the panel
- Evacuate only the floor where the alarm originated and call 911 (Correct answer)
- Silence the alarm and wait for CO levels to dissipate naturally
- Lock all exterior doors to prevent outside air from entering
Correct answer: Evacuate only the floor where the alarm originated and call 911
CO is immediately dangerous to life; evacuate the affected area and contact emergency services without delay.
Question 6: During a bomb threat, who has final authority to order an evacuation of the building?
- The FLSD
- The building owner or property manager
- The NYPD or FDNY Incident Commander on scene (Correct answer)
- The Fire Safety Director Association (FSDA)
Correct answer: The NYPD or FDNY Incident Commander on scene
Law enforcement (NYPD) or the FDNY IC on scene has legal authority to order evacuation during a bomb threat.
Question 7: Which item is typically stored in a high-rise building's Fire Command Station (FCS) for FLSD use?
- Master key ring for all tenant spaces
- A copy of the Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan (Correct answer)
- FDNY radio communications equipment
- Spare sprinkler heads and tools
Correct answer: A copy of the Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan
The FSEP must be kept at or near the Fire Command Station so the FLSD can reference it and share it with responding FDNY units.
FLSD Safety Emergency Response 4
Which of the following is the correct order of evacuation priority in a high-rise building emergency?