FDNY F89 Fire Life and Safety Director
Non-Fire (EAP) Exam Questions And
Well Graded Solutions With
Rationales Updated 2026-2027
Pass your FDNY FLSD F-89/R-59 Non-Fire (EAP) Component Exam on the first try! This
comprehensive study guide features 100 high-yield, verified multiple-choice practice
questions with detailed, expert rationales. Master all critical exam topics including Active
Shooter tactical tenets (Avoid, Barricade, Confront), interior/exterior natural gas leaks,
hazardous materials containment, medical emergencies, elevator Phase I/II recall operations,
and building isolation protocols. Perfect for CBT and On-Site preparation
1. A tenant on the 32nd floor reports a strong natural gas odor inside their office.
Which action must the FLSD immediately implement?
A) Shelter-in-Place for the affected floor
B) In-Building Relocation to the floor below
C) Full Evacuation of the building and immediate notification of
emergency services
D) Instruct the building engineer to search for the leak using a standard
flashlight
Rationale: An interior natural gas leak poses an immediate explosion and
asphyxiation risk, requiring a full evacuation of the building and immediate
contact with emergency services.
2. A large natural gas leak is reported outside the building by a utility crew. What
is the correct initial protective action for the FLSD to implement?
A) Full Evacuation toward the street location of the leak
B) In-Building Relocation away from the affected perimeter to a safe
internal zone
C) Partial Evacuation using the closest exterior fire stairs
D) Total shutdown of all communication systems to prevent sparking
Rationale: For an outside gas leak, evacuating occupants into the hazard
zone is dangerous. Moving them away from the perimeter via In-Building
Relocation keeps them safe from external blast risks.
3. A credible biological threat package is opened in the 1st-floor lobby. Which
critical mechanical action must the FLSD order immediately?
A) Turn the HVAC system to maximum exhaust mode
B) Immediately shut down the building HVAC system serving the
affected area
C) Cycle the HVAC system to bring in 100% outside air
D) Activate the stairwell pressurization fans only
Rationale: Shutting down the HVAC system is vital during an indoor chemical
or biological release to prevent the rapid spread of contaminants through the
building's ventilation system.
4. During an outdoor chemical spill near the building's primary air intake, what
protective action should the FLSD direct for occupants?
A) Full Evacuation to the primary outside assembly area
B) Partial Evacuation of the lower five floors to the street
, C) In-Building Relocation to higher floors and shutdown of the HVAC
system
D) Shelter-in-Place on the ground floor lobby
Rationale: External chemical threats require sealing the building by shutting
down the HVAC and moving occupants away from ground level to higher,
safer internal relocation areas.
5. A tenant reports that a container of an unknown, strongly scented volatile
chemical has spilled in a 12th-floor laboratory. What is the proper response?
A) Full Evacuation of the entire skyscraper
B) In-Building Relocation or Partial Evacuation of the affected floor and
the floors immediately above and below
C) Immediate shutdown of the entire building’s electricity
D) Shelter-in-Place directly within the room where the chemical spilled
Rationale: Localized hazardous material spills inside a building generally
require isolating the affected floor and adjacent floors (above/below) rather
than emptying the entire building.
6. What is the minimum passing score required on the FDNY FLSD Non-Fire
Component Computer-Based Test?
A) 60%
B) 70%
C) 75%
D) 80%
Rationale: The FDNY requires a minimum passing score of 70% on the FLSD
non-fire component exam.
7. Within what maximum timeframe must an applicant pass the Non-Fire
Component Exam after passing the Fire Component Exam?
A) 6 months
B) 9 months
C) 12 months
D) 18 months
Rationale: FDNY regulations stipulate that the Non-Fire (EAP) component
must be successfully completed within 9 months of passing the Fire
component.
8. Which of the following is NOT one of the four core protective actions defined
under an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)?
A) Shelter-In-Place
B) In-Building Relocation
C) Partial Evacuation
D) Elevator Grounding Recall
Rationale: The four core EAP tactical actions are Shelter-In-Place, In-Building
Relocation, Partial Evacuation, and Full Evacuation. Elevator grounding is a
mechanical operation, not an occupant protective action.
9. When an In-Building Relocation is ordered, where should the FLSD direct
occupants to gather?
A) The nearest street-level sidewalk
B) A pre-designated safe zone inside the building, such as a reinforced
interior floor or hallway
C) The roof or highest accessible mechanical floor
D) The basement parking garage
Rationale: In-Building Relocation moves occupants to specific, pre-
, determined safe areas inside the building structure that offer protection from
the specific hazard.
10. Who has the primary authority to implement the building’s EAP before the
arrival of emergency first responders?
A) The building owner only
B) The FLS Warden on the affected floor
C) The Fire and Life Safety Director (FLSD)
D) The local police precinct captain
Rationale: The FLSD is legally responsible and authorized to direct
emergency operations and implement EAP actions prior to the arrival of first
responders.
11. An unknown white powder is found on a desk on the 22nd floor. What
instruction should be given to the employee who touched it?
A) Run to the lobby to find the FLSD
B) Wash hands immediately with soap and water and remain isolated
nearby
C) Throw the package into the nearest trash chute
D) Evacuate the building via the passenger elevator
Rationale: Washing hands immediately minimizes skin contamination, and
staying isolated prevents spreading the potential biological agent to other
building areas.
12. If a radiological "dirty bomb" detonates several blocks away from your high-
rise building, what is generally the safest initial EAP action?
A) Immediate Full Evacuation to the street
B) Shelter-in-Place or In-Building Relocation inside the building while
keeping windows closed
C) Evacuation to the building's roof for helicopter pickup
D) Sending all staff out to assist victims on the street
Rationale: High-rise buildings provide excellent shielding against outdoor
radiological debris. Sheltering-in-place prevents exposure to airborne fallout.
13. When transmitting a PA announcement for an inside gas leak, why must the
FLSD avoid using certain electronic equipment if possible?
A) It wastes valuable battery power
B) Electronic devices or standard switches can create an electrical spark
that triggers an explosion
C) It might jam police radio frequencies
D) The sound waves will accelerate the spread of the gas
Rationale: Natural gas has a high explosive potential; minimizing electrical
switching or using spark-producing devices in contaminated zones prevents
ignition.
14. During an EAP event, what must a Public Address announcement explicitly
include?
A) The FLSD's full legal name and license number
B) What has occurred, where it occurred, why the action is being taken,
and clear directions
C) The cell phone numbers of all building engineering staff
D) An apology for the inconvenience caused to businesses
Rationale: FDNY protocols require announcements to clearly provide the
nature of the emergency, location, rationale for the protective action, and
explicit steps for occupants to follow.
, 15. What is the main operational difference between an In-Building Relocation
and a Shelter-in-Place?
A) Shelter-in-Place requires leaving the building completely
B) In-Building Relocation moves occupants to a designated safe zone,
while Shelter-in-Place keeps them in their current areas
C) Shelter-in-Place can only be used during fires
D) In-Building Relocation is strictly for active shooter events
Rationale: Shelter-in-Place instructs people to stay exactly where they are; In-
Building Relocation involves a coordinated movement to a specific internal
safe haven.
16. A hazardous material incident occurs on the 5th floor. The FLSD decides to
perform a Partial Evacuation. To which floors should the occupants generally
be moved?
A) Up to the roof
B) Down to a secure floor at least several levels below the affected floor,
or completely outside
C) To the 6th and 7th floors immediately above
D) Into the main elevator shafts
Rationale: Partial evacuation moves occupants from an area of high risk to a
lower floor well below the hazard zone or to the street level.
17. If a chemical vapor is rising from an incident on the street, why are occupants
relocated to higher floors?
A) Higher floors have stronger structural columns
B) Many toxic chemical vapors are heavier than air and tend to settle at
ground level
C) The HVAC system only extracts air from the top floors
D) Higher floors allow easier access to the roof
Rationale: Many hazardous chemical gases accumulate at ground level due
to their density, making upper floors safer during an outdoor street-level
release.
18. How frequently must a Fire and Life Safety Director review and update the
building’s EAP records?
A) Every 5 years
B) Continuously, ensuring any structural, tenant, or staffing changes are
updated immediately
C) Only when requested by the building insurance provider
D) Every 3 months
Rationale: The EAP logs, staffing lists, and structural records must be kept
current to ensure accurate execution during a sudden emergency.
19. If an outdoor chemical cloud is visible, what should the FLSD instruct security
staff to do regarding the building entrances?
A) Open all doors wide to allow fresh air in
B) Lock or secure exterior doors and advise occupants not to exit into
the contaminated zone
C) Run outside to direct traffic away from the property
D) Turn on all decorative lobby fountains
Rationale: Securing entrances prevents occupants from inadvertently walking
out into a toxic outdoor environment and limits the entry of contaminated air.
Non-Fire (EAP) Exam Questions And
Well Graded Solutions With
Rationales Updated 2026-2027
Pass your FDNY FLSD F-89/R-59 Non-Fire (EAP) Component Exam on the first try! This
comprehensive study guide features 100 high-yield, verified multiple-choice practice
questions with detailed, expert rationales. Master all critical exam topics including Active
Shooter tactical tenets (Avoid, Barricade, Confront), interior/exterior natural gas leaks,
hazardous materials containment, medical emergencies, elevator Phase I/II recall operations,
and building isolation protocols. Perfect for CBT and On-Site preparation
1. A tenant on the 32nd floor reports a strong natural gas odor inside their office.
Which action must the FLSD immediately implement?
A) Shelter-in-Place for the affected floor
B) In-Building Relocation to the floor below
C) Full Evacuation of the building and immediate notification of
emergency services
D) Instruct the building engineer to search for the leak using a standard
flashlight
Rationale: An interior natural gas leak poses an immediate explosion and
asphyxiation risk, requiring a full evacuation of the building and immediate
contact with emergency services.
2. A large natural gas leak is reported outside the building by a utility crew. What
is the correct initial protective action for the FLSD to implement?
A) Full Evacuation toward the street location of the leak
B) In-Building Relocation away from the affected perimeter to a safe
internal zone
C) Partial Evacuation using the closest exterior fire stairs
D) Total shutdown of all communication systems to prevent sparking
Rationale: For an outside gas leak, evacuating occupants into the hazard
zone is dangerous. Moving them away from the perimeter via In-Building
Relocation keeps them safe from external blast risks.
3. A credible biological threat package is opened in the 1st-floor lobby. Which
critical mechanical action must the FLSD order immediately?
A) Turn the HVAC system to maximum exhaust mode
B) Immediately shut down the building HVAC system serving the
affected area
C) Cycle the HVAC system to bring in 100% outside air
D) Activate the stairwell pressurization fans only
Rationale: Shutting down the HVAC system is vital during an indoor chemical
or biological release to prevent the rapid spread of contaminants through the
building's ventilation system.
4. During an outdoor chemical spill near the building's primary air intake, what
protective action should the FLSD direct for occupants?
A) Full Evacuation to the primary outside assembly area
B) Partial Evacuation of the lower five floors to the street
, C) In-Building Relocation to higher floors and shutdown of the HVAC
system
D) Shelter-in-Place on the ground floor lobby
Rationale: External chemical threats require sealing the building by shutting
down the HVAC and moving occupants away from ground level to higher,
safer internal relocation areas.
5. A tenant reports that a container of an unknown, strongly scented volatile
chemical has spilled in a 12th-floor laboratory. What is the proper response?
A) Full Evacuation of the entire skyscraper
B) In-Building Relocation or Partial Evacuation of the affected floor and
the floors immediately above and below
C) Immediate shutdown of the entire building’s electricity
D) Shelter-in-Place directly within the room where the chemical spilled
Rationale: Localized hazardous material spills inside a building generally
require isolating the affected floor and adjacent floors (above/below) rather
than emptying the entire building.
6. What is the minimum passing score required on the FDNY FLSD Non-Fire
Component Computer-Based Test?
A) 60%
B) 70%
C) 75%
D) 80%
Rationale: The FDNY requires a minimum passing score of 70% on the FLSD
non-fire component exam.
7. Within what maximum timeframe must an applicant pass the Non-Fire
Component Exam after passing the Fire Component Exam?
A) 6 months
B) 9 months
C) 12 months
D) 18 months
Rationale: FDNY regulations stipulate that the Non-Fire (EAP) component
must be successfully completed within 9 months of passing the Fire
component.
8. Which of the following is NOT one of the four core protective actions defined
under an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)?
A) Shelter-In-Place
B) In-Building Relocation
C) Partial Evacuation
D) Elevator Grounding Recall
Rationale: The four core EAP tactical actions are Shelter-In-Place, In-Building
Relocation, Partial Evacuation, and Full Evacuation. Elevator grounding is a
mechanical operation, not an occupant protective action.
9. When an In-Building Relocation is ordered, where should the FLSD direct
occupants to gather?
A) The nearest street-level sidewalk
B) A pre-designated safe zone inside the building, such as a reinforced
interior floor or hallway
C) The roof or highest accessible mechanical floor
D) The basement parking garage
Rationale: In-Building Relocation moves occupants to specific, pre-
, determined safe areas inside the building structure that offer protection from
the specific hazard.
10. Who has the primary authority to implement the building’s EAP before the
arrival of emergency first responders?
A) The building owner only
B) The FLS Warden on the affected floor
C) The Fire and Life Safety Director (FLSD)
D) The local police precinct captain
Rationale: The FLSD is legally responsible and authorized to direct
emergency operations and implement EAP actions prior to the arrival of first
responders.
11. An unknown white powder is found on a desk on the 22nd floor. What
instruction should be given to the employee who touched it?
A) Run to the lobby to find the FLSD
B) Wash hands immediately with soap and water and remain isolated
nearby
C) Throw the package into the nearest trash chute
D) Evacuate the building via the passenger elevator
Rationale: Washing hands immediately minimizes skin contamination, and
staying isolated prevents spreading the potential biological agent to other
building areas.
12. If a radiological "dirty bomb" detonates several blocks away from your high-
rise building, what is generally the safest initial EAP action?
A) Immediate Full Evacuation to the street
B) Shelter-in-Place or In-Building Relocation inside the building while
keeping windows closed
C) Evacuation to the building's roof for helicopter pickup
D) Sending all staff out to assist victims on the street
Rationale: High-rise buildings provide excellent shielding against outdoor
radiological debris. Sheltering-in-place prevents exposure to airborne fallout.
13. When transmitting a PA announcement for an inside gas leak, why must the
FLSD avoid using certain electronic equipment if possible?
A) It wastes valuable battery power
B) Electronic devices or standard switches can create an electrical spark
that triggers an explosion
C) It might jam police radio frequencies
D) The sound waves will accelerate the spread of the gas
Rationale: Natural gas has a high explosive potential; minimizing electrical
switching or using spark-producing devices in contaminated zones prevents
ignition.
14. During an EAP event, what must a Public Address announcement explicitly
include?
A) The FLSD's full legal name and license number
B) What has occurred, where it occurred, why the action is being taken,
and clear directions
C) The cell phone numbers of all building engineering staff
D) An apology for the inconvenience caused to businesses
Rationale: FDNY protocols require announcements to clearly provide the
nature of the emergency, location, rationale for the protective action, and
explicit steps for occupants to follow.
, 15. What is the main operational difference between an In-Building Relocation
and a Shelter-in-Place?
A) Shelter-in-Place requires leaving the building completely
B) In-Building Relocation moves occupants to a designated safe zone,
while Shelter-in-Place keeps them in their current areas
C) Shelter-in-Place can only be used during fires
D) In-Building Relocation is strictly for active shooter events
Rationale: Shelter-in-Place instructs people to stay exactly where they are; In-
Building Relocation involves a coordinated movement to a specific internal
safe haven.
16. A hazardous material incident occurs on the 5th floor. The FLSD decides to
perform a Partial Evacuation. To which floors should the occupants generally
be moved?
A) Up to the roof
B) Down to a secure floor at least several levels below the affected floor,
or completely outside
C) To the 6th and 7th floors immediately above
D) Into the main elevator shafts
Rationale: Partial evacuation moves occupants from an area of high risk to a
lower floor well below the hazard zone or to the street level.
17. If a chemical vapor is rising from an incident on the street, why are occupants
relocated to higher floors?
A) Higher floors have stronger structural columns
B) Many toxic chemical vapors are heavier than air and tend to settle at
ground level
C) The HVAC system only extracts air from the top floors
D) Higher floors allow easier access to the roof
Rationale: Many hazardous chemical gases accumulate at ground level due
to their density, making upper floors safer during an outdoor street-level
release.
18. How frequently must a Fire and Life Safety Director review and update the
building’s EAP records?
A) Every 5 years
B) Continuously, ensuring any structural, tenant, or staffing changes are
updated immediately
C) Only when requested by the building insurance provider
D) Every 3 months
Rationale: The EAP logs, staffing lists, and structural records must be kept
current to ensure accurate execution during a sudden emergency.
19. If an outdoor chemical cloud is visible, what should the FLSD instruct security
staff to do regarding the building entrances?
A) Open all doors wide to allow fresh air in
B) Lock or secure exterior doors and advise occupants not to exit into
the contaminated zone
C) Run outside to direct traffic away from the property
D) Turn on all decorative lobby fountains
Rationale: Securing entrances prevents occupants from inadvertently walking
out into a toxic outdoor environment and limits the entry of contaminated air.
