Electrical Emergencies

Question 1

What should the first arriving unit do when responding to an outside electrical emergency?
A. Secure the area in all directions.
B. Notify electrical inspectors.
C. Attempt to disconnect power from the main.
D. Locate the electrical emergency while wearing full PPE

Answer 1

D. Locate the electrical emergency while wearing full PPE

Question 2

What is the recommended distance for a fog stream when protecting exposures from an energized electrical source?🚩
A. 5 feet
B. 15 feet
C. 25 feet
D. 40 feet

Answer 2

B. 15 feet

Question 3

What is the recommended distance for a solid stream when protecting exposures from an energized electrical source?🚩
A. 5 feet
B. 15 feet
C. 25 feet
D. 40 feet

Answer 3

D. 40 feet

Question 4

What is the appropriate action for fire service personnel if unauthorized individuals attempt to enter the emergency area?
A. Allow entry after proper identification.
B. Keep them at a safe distance.
C. Request assistance from the police.
D. Evacuate the area immediately.

Answer 4

B. Keep them at a safe distance.❓

Question 5

How should fire apparatus approach areas where electrical wires may be down?
A. Drive directly over the wires.
B. Keep a safe distance, particularly at night.
C. Use water streams to clear the area.
D. Attempt to disconnect the wires with tools.

Answer 5

B. Keep a safe distance, particularly at night.

Question 6

What precaution should be taken before jumping from a fire apparatus at night near potential electrical wires?❌

A. Examine the surroundings with a light.
B. Jump without any precautions.
C. Drive the vehicle away from the wires first.
D. Use a solid stream to identify live wires.

Answer 6

A. Examine the surroundings with a light

Question 7

In a vehicle rescue involving trapped occupants near energized wires, what should be done if the occupants are not injured?
A. Extinguish any fires immediately.
B. Instruct occupants to exit the vehicle cautiously.
C. Wait for FPL personnel to handle the wires.
D. Attempt to dislodge wires using a coil of hose.

Answer 7

C. Wait for FPL personnel to handle the wires.

Question 8

What should firefighters do if faced with an energized wire in the absence of an FPL representative during a life-threatening situation?
A. Attempt to handle the wire cautiously.
B. Wait for the arrival of authorized FPL personnel.
C. Have FPL de-energize the electric wires.
D. Evacuate the area without taking any action.

Answer 8

C. Have FPL de-energize the electric wires.

Question 9

If electrical wires are in contact with a vehicle, what action should be taken to minimize danger?

A. Attempt to handle the wires directly.
B. Drive the vehicle away from the wires.
C. Immediately evacuate the vehicle.
D. Ignore the wires and proceed.

Answer 9

B. Drive the vehicle away from the wires.

If wires are in contact with vehicle, attempt to drive the vehicle away from from the wires.
In this situation there is no one trapped. 

Question 10

What is the recommended action if a fire fighter needs to dismount from an apparatus in contact with an electrical wire?
A. Touch the ground before jumping.
B. Immediately step off the vehicle.
C. Jump from the vehicle to the ground.
D. Call for additional support.

Answer 10

C. Jump from the vehicle to the ground

Never step off of a vehicle that is in contact with an electrical wire. If it is necessary to dismount from the apparatus, the fire fighter should jump from the vehicle.

Question 11

In the presence of a live wire, what should a fire fighter never attempt to do from a vehicle?
A. Drive away from the live wire.
B. Handle the live wire directly.
C. Disengage the vehicle’s ignition.
D. Ignore the live wire and proceed.

Answer 11

B. Handle the live wire directly.

Question 12

What action should a fire fighter standing on the ground avoid when a vehicle is in contact with a live wire?
A. Board the vehicle immediately.
B. Touch the vehicle or attempt to board it.
C. Use a fire extinguisher on the live wire.
D. Signal for additional assistance.

Answer 12

B. Touch the vehicle or attempt to board it.

Question 13

When encountering persons trapped in a vehicle with energized wires, what should be done if occupants are not injured?
A. Instruct occupants to exit the vehicle cautiously.
B. Use a fog stream to extinguish any fires.
C. Keep occupants in the vehicle until wires are de-energized.
D. Attempt to handle the wires directly.

Answer 13

C. Keep occupants in the vehicle until wires are de-energized.

Question 14

What precaution should be taken if tires of a vehicle in contact with energized wires begin to burn?
A. Immediately exit the vehicle.
B. Use a fog stream to extinguish the fire.
C. Instruct occupants to jump free of the vehicle.
D. Wait for FPL personnel to handle the wires.

Answer 14

C. Instruct occupants to jump free of the vehicle.

You can use a fog stream to extinguish the fire but you first have to instruct the occupants of the vehicle to jump, because the use of a fog stream can increase electrical problems. 

Question 15

What is the recommended action if occupants of a vehicle in contact with energized wires are injured and need attention?
A. Use a solid stream to dislodge the wires.
B. Attempt to handle the wires cautiously.
C. Throw non-conductive items at the wires.
D. Wait for authorized FPL personnel to arrive.

Answer 15

C. Throw non-conductive items at the wires.

Question 16

In extreme emergencies involving energized wires, what may be done at the direction of the Fire Officer in charge?
A. Attempt to handle the energized wires.
B. Wait for FPL personnel without any action.
C. Have FPL De-energize wires through a computer system.
D. Ignore the situation and evacuate.

Answer 16

C. Have FPL De-energize wires through a computer system

In cases of extreme emergency, FPL, at the direction of the Fire Officer in charge, may be able to de-energize the electric wires through a computer system. This procedure should only be followed in extreme emergencies which are a threat to life.

Question 17

What precaution should be taken to ensure no contact with energized equipment under a vehicle during a rescue?
A. Ignore the underside of the vehicle.
B. Check the vehicle’s engine first.
C. Check the underside for contact with energized equipment.
D. Immediately evacuate the area.

Answer 17

C. Check the underside for contact with energized equipment.

At all times check the underside of the vehicle to assure there is no contact with energized equipment such as with street lights that have underground wiring.

Question 18

You are the officer on the first arriving unit to a reported electrical emergency inside a building. What is the first thing you should do ?

Answer 18

the OIC and not more than two fire fighters shall enter building or area in full PPE and SCBA, fire extinguishers (C02/dry powder/Halon) and hand tools, plus High-Rise Kit in buildings so equipped, and attempt to locate electrical emergency.

Question 19

What would be your command considerations at a inside electrical emergency?

Answer 19

1. Prevent smoking, eating, and drinking in the danger area due to possible contamination to the area.
2. Monitor liquid and smoke migration.
3. Evacuate building if necessary (need manpower and possible police assistance).
4. Cordon area.
5. Ventilation to area and floors above and below.
6. Keep all unauthorized personnel out (only properly identified fire and FPL crew personnel).
7. Keep apparatus at safe distance, upwind where possible, of building or area with charged standby lines. Charge siamese connection if building is sO equipped.

Question 20

What precaution should be taken in the danger area to avoid possible contamination?
a. Allow smoking, eating, and drinking
b. Monitor liquid and smoke migration
c. Encourage unauthorized personnel entry
d. Disregard ventilation needs

Answer 20

b. Monitor liquid and smoke migration

Question 21

How should the fire department handle electric power shutdown during an emergency?

Answer 21

Answer: c. Shut off power at the meter or main electrical panel. P86 see p84 (4F )

If electric is energized, it is not recommended that you extinguish flame at power source until shut off is complete. Shut off could be made at meter or main electrical panel. Never use an ax or metal tools to break meter.

Question 22

What action should be taken to control the fire until FPL arrives on the scene?
a. Remove the electric meter🚩
b. Attempt to cut external electric wires
c. Use fog stream at a safe distance
d. Ignore the electric service status

Answer 22

c. Use fog stream at a safe distance

Question 23

How should spills from electrical transformers in vaults be treated initially?
a. Ignore the spills until FPL arrives
b. Treat as a PCB incident until determined otherwise
c. Enter vaults without FPL assistance
d. Extinguish spills with water immediately

Answer 23

Treat as a PCB incident until determined otherwise

Question 24

What is the first step when exposed wires are found in meter boxes?
a. Disconnect electrical service immediately
b. Notify FPL and wait for their response
c. Ignore the exposed wires
d. Allow unauthorized personnel in the area

Answer 24

Notify FPL and wait for their response

Question 25

At an inside electrical emergency, where should command consider performing ventilation ?

Answer 25

Ventilation to area and floors above and below.

Question 26

What is the first step when exposed wires are found in meter boxes?
a. Disconnect electrical service immediately
b. Notify FPL and wait for their response
c. Ignore the exposed wires
d. Allow unauthorized personnel in the area

Answer 26

Notify FPL and wait for their response

Question 27

What is the recommended approach for positioning apparatus during an inside electrical emergency?
a. Upwind with charged standby lines
b. Downwind for better visibility
c. Inside the building for quick access
d. Anywhere close to the danger area

Answer 27

Upwind with charged standby lines

Question 28

What precaution is advised when dealing with energized electrical sources?
a. Extinguish flame immediately
b. Use metal tools to break the meter
c. Cut off power to the meter using any means
d. Wait until shut off is complete before extinguishing flame

Answer 28

Wait until shut off is complete before extinguishing flame

Question 29

What is the recommended use of hose lines in the presence of electric fires?
a. Extinguish the fire at the power source
b. Protect exposures only
c. Use fog stream at any distance
d. Stay 5 feet away for safety

Answer 29

Protect exposures only

Question 30

What initial action should a first arriving fire unit take at the scene of a suspected PCB incident involving transformers or capacitors?
A) Directly enter the vault to confirm PCB presence.
B) Wait for non-fire personnel to arrive and handle the situation.
C) Approach in full bunker gear and breathing apparatus to verify PCB involvement without entering vaults.
D) Immediately begin firefighting operations with water.

Answer 30

Approach in full bunker gear and breathing apparatus to verify PCB involvement without entering vaults. P85

Question 31

When is entry into a PCB atmosphere or energized vault justified according to safety protocols?
A) When there is no visible smoke.
B) For routine checks and maintenance.
C) In life-threatening situations only.
D) After securing verbal approval from FPL.

Answer 31

In life-threatening situations only.

Question 32

What is the minimum evacuation distance recommended when dealing with a PCB incident in a building or area?
A) 100 feet in all directions.
B) 200 feet in all directions.
C) 300 feet in all directions.
D) Based on the discretion of the commanding officer.

Answer 32

200 feet in all directions.

Question 33

Which firefighting agents are recommended for use in cases of extreme emergencies involving PCBs?
A) Water stream and foam.
B) Fog stream, dry chemical, or CO2.
C) Water stream only.
D) Foam only.

Answer 33

*Correct Answer: B**

Explanation:
In extreme emergencies where fire must be extinguished to prevent the spread, the use of fog streams, dry chemicals, or CO2 is advised due to their effectiveness and safety in PCB-related scenarios.

Question 34

Who should the officer in command notify of “YELLOW OIL PROBLEMS” during incidents involving PCBs?
A) Local fire department chief only.
B) Dispatcher, who will then contact appropriate federal, state, and local agencies.
C) Directly contact the nearest hospital.
D) Inform only the internal incident command.

Answer 34

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The officer in command must notify the dispatcher of any “YELLOW OIL PROBLEMS,” who will then contact the appropriate federal, state, and local agencies for technical assistance during and after the incident.

Question 35

During a PCB incident , where should the IC should Keep apparatus and fire fighters not directly involved in the operation

Answer 35

at a safe distance upwind.

Question 36

During an electrical emergency involving PCB, ELECTRICAL VAULTS, CAPACITOR AND SIMILAR HIGH VOLTAGE
Extinguish only in cases of extreme emergency or to prevent ________?

Answer 36

extension of the fire, extinguish with fog stream, dry chemical or CO2.

Question 37

What is the first step to take when exposed wires are found in a meter box?
A) Directly handle and insulate the wires yourself.
B) Notify FPL to respond and tape the outside of the meter box.
C) Immediately disconnect the electrical service yourself.
D) Advise the building owner to secure the meter.

Answer 37

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The initial action when exposed wires are discovered in a meter box is to notify FPL, who will handle the situation safely, including taping the outside of the meter box if necessary.

Question 38

What should be done if the meter box cannot be properly protected due to its physical condition or location?
A) Leave the box open until a more suitable time.
B) Wait for the electrical inspector’s further instructions.
C) Disconnect the electrical service.
D) Issue a general warning and leave the site.

Answer 38

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
If the meter box cannot be properly protected, the disconnection of the electrical service should take place to ensure safety.

Question 39

Whose responsibility is it to secure the meter properly after being notified of exposed wires?
A) The local fire department.
B) The building’s owner or agent.
C) The Chief Electrical Inspector.
D) The responding FPL technician.

Answer 39

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
It is the responsibility of the building’s owner or agent to ensure the meter is secured properly. They will also receive a HIP pocket notice regarding the issue.

Question 40

What should be done with the meter once the exposed wires have been identified?
A) Nothing, leave the meter as it is.
B) Tag the meter with a hazard warning tag.
C) Remove the meter immediately.
D) Cover the meter with non-conductive material.

Answer 40

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The meter should be tagged with a hazard warning tag to alert others of the danger. The bottom portion of this tag is sent to the Fire Prevention Division (FPB) for record-keeping and follow-up.

Question 41

Who is to be notified during normal business hours if exposed wires are found?🚩
A) The local police department.
B) The Fire Prevention Bureau.
C) The Chief Electrical Inspector through FCIO.
D) The nearest hospital for safety precautions.

Answer 41

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
During normal business hours, the Chief Electrical Inspector should be notified through the Fire Communications Information Office (FCIO) about the situation.

Question 42

What is the procedure if exposed wires in a meter room are found after normal business hours, or on weekends or holidays?
A) The Chief Electrical Inspector is notified immediately by any means.
B) FCIO is notified before going off duty, who will then inform the FPB during normal hours.
C) The situation is to be handled the next business day.
D) All operations are paused until the next business day.

Answer 42

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
If exposed wires are discovered after hours, on weekends, or holidays, the FCIO is to be notified prior to going off duty. The FCIO will then contact the FPB during the next normal business hours to address the situation.

Question 43

what is the proper way to shut off utilities in an emergency?

A. At the breaker panel
B. At the meter or main by the utility company
C. Using the shutoff valves in the building
D. By severing the lines

Answer 43

Answer: B. At the meter or main by the utility company