Chapter 15: pg 412-418 Multiple Dwellings, duplex, sandwich apartments

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary benefit of using a positive pressure fan during firefighting in an apartment scenario?

It helps cool down the burning materials.

It prevents fire contamination in the staircase. (correct)

It increases the flow of steam into the apartment.

It allows for a controlled entry into the fire apartment.

When trying to access the fire apartment, which of the following actions is most effective?

Continuously spray water on the hallway walls.

Using smoke grenades to obscure visibility.

Breaching walls until gaining access to the fire apartment. (correct)

Waiting for the fire to extinguish on its own.

What is a potential risk when breaching a hole in the hallway wall towards the door of the fire apartment?

Water may damage the nearby living areas.

Flames may shoot back at the firefighter. (correct)

The hallway may become too dark to see.

The hose stream will lose pressure.

What is a characteristic feature of duplex and triplex apartments that poses a challenge for fire forces?

They contain unprotected stairways within each apartment. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenarios might a firefighter need to use different tactics while addressing a fire?

Due to variations in building features and conditions. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario are occupants more severely exposed to danger during a fire in duplex and triplex apartments?

When they are in the bedroom during a fire. Signup and view all the answers

What layout feature is typical in duplex and triplex apartments concerning bedrooms and living spaces?

Entrances are generally on the same floor as kitchen and living room. Signup and view all the answers

Why might rescue attempts in duplex and triplex apartments be delayed during a fire?

The fire forces must control the fire on the entrance floor first. Signup and view all the answers

What alternative method might be used for rescue in duplex and triplex apartments if the entrance floor is compromised?

Breaching a partition wall from an adjacent apartment. Signup and view all the answers

What primary threat to occupants is present during a routine fire in multiple dwellings?

Smoke in the stairs and upper floors Signup and view all the answers

Why should you not vent during a severe fire condition?

It creates an exhaust opening that draws the fire to that stair. Signup and view all the answers

What role do positive pressure ventilation fans play in managing fire scenarios?

They pressurize the attack staircase to stop airflow Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial factor for the effectiveness of positive pressure ventilation during fire scenarios?

The presence of other exhaust openings near the door Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested method for identifying similar layouts in a building?

Paint the stair side of stairway doors the same color on floors with similar layouts. Signup and view all the answers

How can a unit determine the appropriate floor layout upon arrival at a charged floor?

Drop down to a similarly colored door to assess the layout. Signup and view all the answers

Why might it be essential to have prior knowledge of floor layouts in certain buildings?

Without knowledge, locating the correct floor can be challenging. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is NOT a recommendation for navigating unfamiliar floor layouts?

Relying solely on signs placed throughout the building. Signup and view all the answers

What should a unit do if they arrive at a heavily charged floor without knowledge of the layout?

Drop down to a door of the same color and assess. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the public address capability in the lobby systems during emergencies?

To control panic and issue directives Signup and view all the answers

In transient fire occurrences, what contributes significantly to occupants perceiving imminent danger?

The sound of the fire alarm and arriving emergency vehicles Signup and view all the answers

What approach is suggested for addressing occupants during a fire to alleviate their anxiety?

Speaking in a calm, reassuring tone Signup and view all the answers

Which method is appropriate for searching uninvolved floors during a transient fire occurrence?

Utilizing a master key for less damaging access Signup and view all the answers

Why is it often more beneficial for tenants to stay in their apartments during a fire?

Remaining in their apartments prevents clogged stairwells for firefighters. Signup and view all the answers

What critical action should occupants take if they are in the fire apartment?

Close the apartment door behind them when fleeing. Signup and view all the answers

What is one major consequence of tenants fleeing from upper stories during a fire?

Further strain on firefighting resources due to assisting evacuees. Signup and view all the answers

How can pre-incident training impact the outcome of a fire situation?

It informs residents about the best practices during a fire. Signup and view all the answers

What role do floor wardens play in the context of fire safety in senior residents' homes?

They guide and inform residents about evacuation procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of blocking open the hopper door to a compactor or incinerator chute?

To ventilate light to moderately charged hallways on uninvolved floors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is recommended to avoid smoke contamination during a fire incident?

Blocking open the hopper door to the compactor or incinerator chute Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of not blocking the hopper door during a fire situation?

Smoke could contaminate staircases, hindering evacuation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a strategy to maintain clear evacuation routes during a fire emergency?

Blocking open the hopper door to prevent smoke from contaminating the stairs Signup and view all the answers

In the context of fire tactics, why is it important to keep staircases clear?

To provide access for rescue teams if needed Signup and view all the answers

What primarily differentiates sandwich apartments from duplex apartments?

All living space in sandwich apartments is located on a single floor. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential hazard associated with fires in sandwich apartments?

The design makes it difficult to reach apartments above or below the fire. Signup and view all the answers

In a typical layout of a sandwich apartment, how are the doors arranged in relation to the public hall?

The center door serves the hall apartment while adjoining doors have stairs behind them. Signup and view all the answers

What design feature of sandwich apartments visually indicates their presence?

Public hallways lined with windows. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge when addressing a fire in a sandwich apartment located below a fire?

Using stairs is akin to trying to approach the fire from above, complicating access. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Firefighting Strategies in Multiple Dwellings

Routine firefighting in fireproof residences often involves using a single hoseline, especially when fire loading is light.
Smoke poses a significant threat during a fire, particularly in stairways and upper floors; effective venting strategies can mitigate this.
In severe fire conditions, flames and extreme heat are the primary dangers; venting techniques can help redirect the fire.
Positive pressure ventilation fans can be utilized to create airflow control in stairways, but effectiveness diminishes with winds over 25 mph or if other exhaust openings are present.

Strategies for Fire Containment

Directing the hose stream onto the seat of the blaze cools materials, generating steam that disperses smoke within the apartment.
Breaching walls from adjoining apartments can assist in rescuing occupants trapped due to a blocked escape route from a fire in a duplex or triplex setup.
A nozzle should be aimed directly into the fire area if accessed from the adjoining apartment, ensuring the staircase remains uncontaminated.

Duplex and Triplex Apartments

Duplex apartments occupy two floors while triplex apartments span three floors, necessitating internal stairways within the apartment design.
The positioning of bedrooms on different floors can result in a dangerous escape situation, particularly if fires start in public living areas.
Delay in rescue operations can occur until local fire conditions are controlled, emphasizing the need for prompt firefighting efforts.

Sandwich Apartments

These apartments feature an interior staircase and are designed without expansive public hallways, complicating fire response due to limited escape routes.
Fires in lower apartments can pose significant challenges, akin to tackling a fire from above, necessitating wall breaches for effective response.

Variability in Floor Layouts

Floor designs can vary significantly, complicating navigation for firefighters; consistent color coding on stairway doors can aid in identifying layouts.
Many tenants may instinctively flee during fires, increasing risks; educating residents on remaining indoors and closing doors when evacuating can enhance safety.

Lobby Systems and Panic Control

Specialized lobby systems can direct occupants to safer locations or provide updates during emergencies, enhancing evacuation efficiency.
Public address systems can be utilized to control panic and calm residents, especially useful in transient occupancies like hotels.

Complications from Transient Occupants

Hotel fires can generate panic among residents; a composed approach by firefighters can alleviate fear and confusion.
Search operations must cover all potentially affected areas while utilizing efficient methods like master keys to minimize property damage.
Proper ventilation techniques can maintain clear stairways during operations, preventing further contamination from smoke.

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Description

Explore the key concepts in Chapter 15 regarding fire safety in multiple dwellings. This chapter highlights the procedures used to mitigate smoke and fire risks, particularly in fireproof residences. Understanding these principles can enhance fire response strategies in residential buildings.