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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of an area of refuge in a high-rise incident?
What is the primary purpose of an area of refuge in a high-rise incident?
- To act as a staging area for additional firefighting resources
- To serve as a temporary command center for firefighters
- To facilitate communication between firefighters and building occupants
- To provide a safe location for firefighters to retreat to and potentially bring victims (correct)
During a high-rise incident, why are units on the same side of the hallway chosen for area of refuge access?
During a high-rise incident, why are units on the same side of the hallway chosen for area of refuge access?
- To provide easier access to the fire unit
- To minimize flow path concerns (correct)
- To minimize the risk of fire spreading through the hallway
- To reduce the risk of occupants being trapped in the hallway
What is a characteristic of an area of refuge on the fire floor?
What is a characteristic of an area of refuge on the fire floor?
- It is always located on the opposite side of the hallway from the fire unit
- It is either door on the same side as the fire apartment (correct)
- It is a stairwell or elevator lobby
- It is a designated area on the floor below the fire unit
When can an area of refuge be set up during a high-rise incident?
When can an area of refuge be set up during a high-rise incident?
What is the benefit of using an area of refuge during a high-rise incident?
What is the benefit of using an area of refuge during a high-rise incident?
What might firefighters do to access an area of refuge during a high-rise incident?
What might firefighters do to access an area of refuge during a high-rise incident?
Why is an area of refuge important for firefighters during a high-rise incident?
Why is an area of refuge important for firefighters during a high-rise incident?
What is the purpose of controlling the doors in an area of refuge?
What is the purpose of controlling the doors in an area of refuge?
What should a firefighter do when forcing a door in low visibility?
What should a firefighter do when forcing a door in low visibility?
Where can a firefighter typically find an unlocked door to seek refuge?
Where can a firefighter typically find an unlocked door to seek refuge?
What is the benefit of opening windows in the area of refuge?
What is the benefit of opening windows in the area of refuge?
What is the purpose of the area of refuge on the fire floor?
What is the purpose of the area of refuge on the fire floor?
Why is it important to minimize the products of fire entering the unit?
Why is it important to minimize the products of fire entering the unit?
What type of doors should a firefighter be cautious of when forcing open in low visibility?
What type of doors should a firefighter be cautious of when forcing open in low visibility?
How can a firefighter quickly find an unlocked door to seek refuge?
How can a firefighter quickly find an unlocked door to seek refuge?
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Study Notes
Area of Refuge in High-Rise Buildings
- An area of refuge is a safe place for firefighters or building occupants at a high-rise incident, allowing them to retreat without returning to the lobby.
- The area of refuge is typically located on the same side as the fire apartment, and can be either door on the fire floor.
Identifying the Area of Refuge
- The area of refuge is a quick and easy-to-find location for firefighters to retreat to, and can also be the safest place to bring victims.
- It removes individuals from an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) atmosphere.
Setting Up the Area of Refuge
- The area of refuge can be set up simultaneously or prior to the fire unit being accessed.
- Firefighters can force entry into the units on either side of the fire unit on the same side of the hallway, minimizing flow path concerns.
- Units on the opposite side of the hallway are not chosen to avoid smoke migration.
Accessing the Area of Refuge
- When smoke is migrating into the area of refuge, opening the windows equalizes the pressure of the fire apartment and keeps smoke out.
- It is critical to control the doors to minimize the products of fire entering the unit.
- If forcing a door in low visibility, ensure the door is inward swinging to avoid danger.
- Avoid forcing open sliding or outward swinging doors, as they may be an elevator or mechanical room.
Searching for the Area of Refuge
- Upon exiting the fire unit, a left- or right-hand search will bring a firefighter to an unlocked door to seek refuge, typically closer than the stairwell access.
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