III-E-15 Alarm Ringing and False Alarm Policy 12/06/2022

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Questions and Answers

What is the responsibility of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department regarding violations of the Code of Miami-Dade County?

To identify, monitor, and record violations for enforcement. (correct)

To provide discounts on fire alarm services.

To operate and maintain all fire alarms in Miami-Dade.

To investigate all criminal activities related to fire alarms.

Which of the following best describes an Audible Alarm?

An alarm that produces a sound audible for fifty feet or more outside the premises. (correct)

A warning device that can be heard 100 feet beyond the premises.

A silent alarm that only alerts the central monitoring station.

An alarm that can only be heard inside a building.

What constitutes a False Fire Alarm?

A fire alarm that successfully identifies a real emergency.

An alarm that is only activated intentionally during emergencies.

An alarm triggered by a power outage.

An alarm activated due to negligence or mechanical failure. (correct)

What does a Central Station do?

Monitors fire alarm signals and notifies protective forces. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition is a fire alarm presumed to be false?

If no fire or emergency is found after standard investigation by the Fire Department. Signup and view all the answers

What action is taken by the Battalion Chief upon arrival at the scene?

Perform a face-to-face briefing and post a Mandatory Fire-watch decal. Signup and view all the answers

When can units clear the scene?

Once the responsible person has initiated the Fire Watch. Signup and view all the answers

What must the Unit OIC do in the Basic Report for NFIRS?

Request a follow-up by checking the ‘Fire Inspection’ request box. Signup and view all the answers

What should happen if the emergency contact lacks authority to hire a Fire Watch?

The Battalion Chief will determine the number of Fire Watch personnel needed. Signup and view all the answers

How is the MDFR on-call Fire Watch Contractor hired?

By completing a Request for Fire Watch form and emailing it. Signup and view all the answers

What should the Unit OIC do when the MDFR on-call Fire Watch Contractor arrives?

Post a Mandatory Fire-Watch decal and give a briefing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the frequency at which Fire Watch personnel should patrol the entire building?

Every 30 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What action must be taken after the on-scene Battalion Chief scans and emails the signed agreement?

The Fire Prevention Division must follow up with a site visit. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition is an alarm not considered false due to activation by vandals?

There is evidence of physical damage to alarm system components. Signup and view all the answers

What qualifies as an 'occupied building'?

A building with more than 10 persons present is considered occupied. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary responsibility of a fire alarm service technician, referred to as a runner?

To respond to alarm notifications within two hours. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of a Fire Prevention Division representative?

Assigned to monitor fire safety inspections. Signup and view all the answers

If a building is unoccupied and the alarm system is activated, what should the Unit Officer-in-Charge (OIC) do first?

Advise the Fire Alarm Office if no signs of emergency are observed. Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the investigation and documentation of false fire alarms?

Any evidence found regarding the alarm's activation. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to a fire alarm system being deemed activated incorrectly?

The alarm emits false signals without evident reasons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of NFIRS during incident reporting?

To include basic report data for fire incidents. Signup and view all the answers

How long does a person have to respond to a trouble signal notification?

Four hours. Signup and view all the answers

When should the OIC clear the scene during a false alarm investigation?

Once a thorough investigation reveals no evidence of an emergency. Signup and view all the answers

What should the Unit OIC do if they observe signs of an emergency during an investigation?

Advise FAO and report conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Which is not a reason an alarm can be activated but still deemed not false?

Electrical surge without damage. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for performing the fire-watch if a responsible person is not available?

Any person designated by the Fire Marshal. Signup and view all the answers

What should be verified if no emergency exists with occupants in an occupied building?

Evidence of hidden hazards using tools Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that a fire alarm signal poses an immediate threat?

Red light shown on the alarm panel Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if there is an active fire alarm signal at the scene?

Document the information on the fire alarm system display Signup and view all the answers

What should be done during normal business hours if an occupied building's fire alarm cannot be reset?

Request FAO to notify the Fire Prevention Division Signup and view all the answers

In the case of a pull station activation, what is necessary before resetting it?

Completing a thorough investigation confirming no emergency Signup and view all the answers

If indications of an emergency are observed, what is the primary responsibility of the Unit OIC?

Advise the FAO and report the conditions Signup and view all the answers

What should occur if the fire alarm panel is not accessible?

Proceed to the section regarding Problem Alarm Systems Signup and view all the answers

How should the Unit OIC respond if the fire alarm system cannot be reset within four hours?

Notify emergency contacts about Fire Watch requirements Signup and view all the answers

Which condition triggers the requirement for a Fire Watch?

A fire alarm system is completely out of service Signup and view all the answers

What should the Unit OIC do if the fire alarm panel shows an orange light?

Document the supervisory condition Signup and view all the answers

What is a n essential step before silencing the alarm when it indicates a trouble signal?

Document all necessary data Signup and view all the answers

What can be done if the Alarm signal indicates an immediate threat?

Document the conditions at the scene Signup and view all the answers

What does a trouble signal on a fire alarm panel indicate?

Abnormal condition due to a fault Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) Responsibilities

MDFR monitors and records violations of the Miami-Dade County Code for enforcement.
Ensures adherence to the Florida Fire Prevention Code relating to fire alarm systems.

Key Definitions

Alarm User: Entity that owns or manages premises with a fire alarm system.
Audible Alarm: Alarm heard at least 50 feet beyond the premise.
Central Station: Monitored fire alarm station approved by entities like UL, FM, or ETL.
False Fire Alarm: Signal causing Fire Department response without an actual emergency, due to negligence, mechanical or electrical failure, or unknown causes. Valid if proven otherwise by the alarm user.

Fire Alarm System Components

Fire Alarm System: Approved system that detects fire and alerts others.
Fire Alarm System Contractor: Licensed individual or company in Florida that installs or services fire alarm systems.
Runner: Qualified technician from the alarm company available for alarm response, must respond within specific time frames.

Response Procedures

Fire Alarm Notifications: Dispatch procedures follow established protocols.
Incident Reporting: Documentation includes details of alarm status, communication with individuals, and investigation findings.
Occupied vs. Unoccupied Buildings: Different protocols for investigating alarms based on building occupancy status.

Investigation Steps

Unoccupied Buildings

Conduct thorough investigation, including walkthrough.
If no emergency is suspected, notify Fire Alarm Office and reset alarm if devices are still active.
Document findings and report for possible Fire Prevention Division follow-up.

Occupied Buildings

Verify no emergency exists and communicate with occupants.
Attempt to reset alarm signal if active.
Follow emergency protocols if signs of emergency are present, and document all activities.

Alarm System Signal Categories

Trouble Signal: Indicates a problem in the system (yellow light).
Supervisory Signal: Relates to abnormal connections (orange light).
Alarm Signal: Indicates immediate danger (red light).

Alarm System Reset Procedures

Document all alarm details before resetting.
Use reset button when available; audible alarms can be silenced if necessary.
If unable to reset, follow procedures for problem alarm systems.

Fire Watch Protocol

Fire watch is required when fire alarm systems cannot be restored within four hours.
Responsible personnel must be arranged either by contacting occupancy owners or through MDFR.

Reporting and Follow-Up

Complete Basic Report in NFIRS after every incident.
Follow protocols for requesting inspections and additional Fire Prevention follow-ups.
Mandatory decals are posted to indicate ongoing fire watch responsibilities.

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Description

This quiz covers the responsibilities of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue related to fire alarm systems and code compliance. It includes key definitions and components of fire alarm systems crucial for users and contractors. Test your knowledge on fire safety standards and regulations in Florida.