100-03 Fire Alarms

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Questions and Answers

What should personnel do first when responding to a water flow alarm?

Check the building's evacuation plan

Perform a 360-degree size up (correct)

Look for signs of smoke on Side Bravo

Contact the Communications Center

If a water flow is confirmed during an alarm response, what is the next step personnel should take?

Evacuate all personnel from the building

Maintain a safe distance and wait for fire control

Immediately silence the alarm

Investigate the cause of the alarm inside the structure (correct)

What is the role of a Knox Box in fire alarm system protocols?

To store fire extinguishers

To provide a backup power source

To contain fire alarm system manuals

To hold access keys for emergency responders (correct)

What should be done if a building lacks a functioning Knox Box during a fire alarm response?

Inform the area inspector about the issue Signup and view all the answers

During an emergency, if the proper keys are not found in the Knox Box, what should the Company Officer do?

Decide whether to wait for a key holder or force entry Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken when a building representative is present during an alarm response?

Turn over control of the situation to the representative Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel check to confirm water flow during a water flow alarm incident?

Pressure gauges and water gong alarms Signup and view all the answers

What communication should be made to the Communications Center if no building representative is present?

Inform them that the alarm has been silenced Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard response code for units dispatched to an automatic fire alarm when no further information is available?

Code 1 Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition should all responding units cancel their response to an automatic fire alarm?

If the Communications Center receives confirmation of a false alarm Signup and view all the answers

When is forcible entry required during a fire alarm response?

When the interior is not visible and no keyholder is present Signup and view all the answers

What initial action should be taken upon arrival at a location where an automatic fire alarm has sounded?

Provide an arrival report and check the building for fire or smoke Signup and view all the answers

What should a Company Officer consider when deciding to respond Code 3 to a fire alarm?

Available or updated information from the Communications Center Signup and view all the answers

How should units proceed if notified by a business or homeowner that there is no emergency?

Continue to the scene using Code 1 to verify Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the standard operating guideline related to fire alarms?

To provide procedures for fire alarm responses Signup and view all the answers

Which action is recommended after a thorough search of the building for fire conditions?

Silence the fire alarm if no fire is detected Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose and Authority

Establishes procedures for response to fire alarms in Palm Beach County.
Authorized by the Fire Rescue Administrator.

Scope

Applicable to all Emergency Operations personnel in Palm Beach County.

Response Procedures

Units respond Code 1 upon dispatch to an automatic fire alarm.
Company Officers may choose Code 3 based on information from the Communications Center.
If notified of a false alarm by a monitoring company, responding units shall cancel.
If a business/homeowner reports no emergency, units continue to respond Code 1 for verification.

Arrival Procedures

Arrival report must follow SOG 210-01 Communications protocol.
Conduct checks for fire, smoke, or water flow upon arrival.
Gain access to the building if interior is not visible from outside; forcible entry may be necessary if indications of a fire exist.
Locate the alarm annunciator panel and check pull stations or activated smoke detectors.
Silencing of the fire alarm is permissible after a thorough search; do not reset the fire alarm system.

Water Flow Alarms

Units respond Code 3 to automatic fire alarms reported as water flow alarms.
Perform a 360-degree size-up and locate outside risers without indications of fire from Side Alpha.
Check the system for water flow through pressure gauges or alarms.
If water flow is confirmed, gain access to evaluate the cause of the alarm.

Gaining Access

Buildings with fire alarm systems must maintain building access keys in a Knox Box.
Report to the Bureau of Safety Services if a building lacks a Knox Box or if it is not functioning properly.
For non-emergency incidents, determine if a key holder can respond quickly; if not, consider forcing entry.

Communication Protocol

If a building representative is present, inform them of the situation and hand over control.
Notify the Communications Center that the alarm has been silenced if no representative is present.

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Description

This quiz covers the procedures for responding to fire alarms in Palm Beach County, as established by the Fire Rescue Administrator. It is intended for all Emergency Operations personnel and focuses on the appropriate response codes and protocols to follow during alarm incidents.