COMM Manual 6 Alarm Response

6.0 INTRODUCTION

• All units respond to alarms as directed by the dispatcher via multiple communication methods:

  • Computer Assisted Dispatch System (CADS)

  • Voice alarm

  • Telephone

  • Radio

  • Mobile Data Terminal (MDT)

• Alarms are received by the dispatcher through:

  • Box Alarm Readout System (BARS)

  • Emergency Reporting System (ERS) street boxes

  • Telephone

  • Special alarm systems

  • Verbal reports

• Responses may also occur for still alarms (fires or emergencies reported after conclusion).

6.1 RESPONSE TO BARS ALARMS

6.1.1 Receiving BARS Alarms

• BARS alarms originate from street boxes directly to borough communications offices.

• Transmitted to units in quarters via teleprinter, voice alarm, or telephone; in-field units using radio or MDT.

6.1.2 Response Protocols

• Response shall be a single unit response in emergency mode.

6.1.3 Alarm Dispatch Protocols

• A BARS alarm with an ERS or telephone report for structural response triggers dispatch of:

  • 3 Engines

  • 2 Ladders

  • 1 Battalion Chief

• ERS or telephone report alone for structural responses also triggers the same dispatch.

6.1.4 Response Adjustments

• Response assignments can be adjusted temporarily by the Deputy Director of Dispatch Operations upon consultation.

6.1.5 Full First Alarm Assignment

• At least 1 Battalion Chief and appropriate Engines, Ladders, and Marine companies assigned for the first alarm.

6.1.6 Battalion Chief Coverage

• If the assigned Battalion Chiefs are unavailable, nearest available Chief covers the alarm.

6.1.7 10-75 and 7-5 Signal Transmission

• If full first alarm assignment is not responded to and is required, the officer shall transmit by radio a 10-75.

• If all dispatched Engine and Ladder Companies operating under the 10-75 signal, the dispatcher will transmit a 7-5 signal based on Chapter 8 provisions.

Note for Time of Day Responses

• No response occurs if there’s no contact with the ERS box between 08:00 - 23:00 hours.

• Between 23:00 - 08:00 hours, 1 Engine must respond when no contact is made.

6.2 RESPONSE TO ERS AND TELEPHONE ALARMS

6.2.1 ERS Alarm Processing

• ERS alarms received directly by FDNY dispatchers.

• All 911 calls for fires/emergencies are received by NYPD call takers, electronically sent to FDNY Dispatchers via CADS.

• Specific questions are asked of callers to process received data, either through CADS or manually.

6.2.2 Dispatch Policy for Alarms

• Minimum response for ERS and telephone alarms:

  • 3 Engines

  • 1 Ladder

  • 1 Battalion Chief for single source alarms (ERS or telephone) indicating structural need.

• Higher minimum for smoke/fire in structure:

  • 3 Engines

  • 2 Ladders

  • 1 Battalion Chief.

6.2.3 Multiple Source Incidents

• If alarms from multiple sources indicate a structural response, dispatch includes:

  • 3 Engines

  • 2 Ladders

  • 1 Battalion Chief.

• If units are on scene and a second source is received, the dispatcher will notify the Battalion Chief.

6.2.4 Exceptions (Rev. 05/04/15)

6.3 RESPONSE OF MARINE COMPANIES

6.3.1 Initial Alarm Responses

• Marine companies dispatched for box locations needing response.

• If the assigned Marine Company is unavailable, dispatcher special calls the nearest available company.

6.3.2 Request for Marine Company

• When a request for Marine assistance is made, the nearest available company is called if the assigned is out of service.

6.3.3 Response for 2nd Marine Company

• 2nd Marine Company assigned under two conditions:

  • Multiple calls needing a response matrix.

  • Confirmation by an FDNY unit on scene.

Incident Types Triggering 2nd Marine Company Response

• Types include:

  • Fire in water

  • Person in water

  • Jumper from bridge/shore

  • Vessel in distress

  • Medical emergencies

  • Dive operations.

Responsibilities of the 2nd Marine Company

• Provide support for Marine personnel.

• Reduce response time for on-scene assistance.

• Transport resources and firefighters from land units.

• Ensure perimeter security during operations.

6.3.4 Assistance Requests

• Operating Marine companies needing additional personnel must call for land-based assistance.

• Engine Company designated to respond to a chosen pick-up site.

6.3.5 Marine Company Relocations

• Detailed in Chapter 7 of this Manual.

6.4 RESPONSE TO ALARMS UNDER FALLBACK CONDITIONS

6.4.1 Definition and Implementation

• FALLBACK conditions apply during heavy incident volumes or emergencies affecting a communications facility.

6.4.2 Conditions Triggering FALLBACK

• Identifiable conditions requiring FALLBACK activation include:

  • Sustained alarm rate exceeding 140 incidents/hour for more than 20 minutes.

  • Engine/Ladder companies' availability below 50% for over 20 minutes.

  • 2nd Alarm situations in Staten Island.

  • Severe weather (e.g., thunderstorms, tornadoes).

  • 10-66 Code 1 alerts

6.4.3 Fallback Definitions

• Implemented in steps:

  • Step 1:

  • Nearest Engine/Ladder units respond to electromechanical boxes.

  • Class-3 max response: 1 Engine, 1 Ladder, 1 Battalion Chief.

  • Step 2: (Includes Step 1)

  • Nearest Engine/Ladder, CO Detector checks.

  • Water leak response based on availability.

  • Step 3: (Includes Steps 1&2)

  • Structural responses with specified companies dispatched.

6.4.4 Implementation Process

• Chief Dispatcher recommends implementation, notifies necessary departments after.

• Urgent situations prompting rapid FALLBACK activation must have notifications made ASAP.

6.4.5 Continuation or Termination of FALLBACK

• Chief Dispatchers must monitor conditions continuously with regular updates.

• Decisions to terminate FALLBACK are the duty of the Chief Dispatcher, with notifications of termination to other departments.

6.5 RESPONSE PROCEDURES FOR VERBAL ALARMS

6.5.1 In Quarters Verbal Alarms

• Units in quarters must notify the dispatcher with incident details.

6.5.2 Out of Quarters Verbal Alarms

• Out-of-quarters units observing incidents must report their alarms to dispatcher before proceeding.

• If responding to another alarm and life is safe, return to original alarm.

6.5.3 Marine Company Response to Verbal Alarms

• Officers must request staff from dispatcher prior to responding.

6.5.4 Dispatcher Actions

• Follow telephone alarm procedures when notified of verbal alarms.

6.6 RESPONSE TO SPECIAL ALARM SYSTEMS

6.6.1 Definition

• Special alarm systems installed and monitored either by the Fire Department or private entities classified as Class 3 alarms.

6.6.2 Alarm Number Assignments

• Class 3 box numbers represent closest street box and terminal numbers to the source.

6.6.3 Response Minimum Requirements

• Every special alarm system box must receive:

  • At least 1 Engine Company

  • 1 Ladder Company

  • 1 Battalion Chief.

6.6.4 Out of Quarters Response Assignment

• Units can be assigned via radio for responses with designated broadcast details.

6.6.5 Marine Response Specifics

• Marine companies responding to special alarms must follow specified procedures.

6.6.6 Fire Reporting Procedures for Islands

• Fires on specific islands must be reported and handled according to established protocols.

6.6.7 Notifications of Vessel Emergencies

• Emergencies on vessels require specific special alarm box transmissions.

6.7 RESPONSE TO TELEPHONE AND ERS ALARMS INVOLVING SPECIFIC LOCATIONS/SITUATIONS

6.7.1 Fire Reports in Buildings

• Transmit box alarm for reported fires in buildings, structures.

6.7.2 Special Alarm for Specific Locations

• Specific responses for fires in locations with special alarm systems.

• If no system exists, respond per nearest location protocols.

6.7.3 Alarm System Procedures for Bridges, Tunnels

• Special alerts for fires/emergencies affecting bridges or tunnels.

6.7.4 Specific Highways & Roadways Responses

• Dispatch minimum units as specified for incidents across different conditions.

6.7.5 Criteria for Unit Responses

• Direct responses for reports of fires of various types as stated.

6.7.6 Response for Cross-Border Reports

• Specific protocols when incidents occur bordering the city.

6.7.7 Refrigerant Leak Procedures

• Reliant on the scale of leak during responders’ assessment.

6.7.8 Flooding Condition Protocols

• Direct response to water flooded conditions with specific directives.

6.7.9 Explosion and Bomb Threat Procedures

• Emergency dispatch protocols for bomb threats.

6.7.10 Hazardous Material Response Procedures

• Detailed response guidelines for hazardous material incidents.

6.7.11 Auto-Extrication Incident Response

• Engine units, along with Hurst tool units, respond to incidents involving potential entrapment.

6.7.12 MEDIC ALERT Alarm Procedures

6.8 DISPATCHER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

6.8.1 Conditions Requiring Deputy Chief Notification

• Specific situations that trigger higher-level notification requirements.

6.8.2 Fire Code Violations Reporting

• Procedures to notify relevant Battalion Chiefs regarding local violations.

6.8.3 Notifying Unusual Occurrences

• Guidelines for informing officers on duty of emergent conditions.

6.8.4 Complaints and Public Entertainment Notices

• Protocols for responding to public safety concerns in venues.

6.8.5 Emergency Notification to Other City Departments

• Communication responsibilities during emergency conditions.

6.8.6 Non-Fire Incident Notification Procedures

• Actions and guidelines for notifications in non-fire contexts.

6.8.7 Response for Understaffed Companies

• Additional unit dispatching when companies are understaffed

6.9 RESPONSE POLICY

6.9.1 Unit Operation

• Guidelines for operations within the capacity of a single unit, indicating efficiency in unit allocation.

6.9.2 Ladder Companies Staffing Guidelines

• Criteria for additional Ladder Company responses during staffing emergencies.

6.9.3 Understaffed Units Policies

• Maximum response documentation and unit limitations in emergencies.

6.10 BOROUGH COMMAND CADS DESIGNATIONS

6.10.1 Overview of Designations

• Each Borough has a designated CADS code including manpower and resources.

6.10.2 CADS Utilization in Incident Assignment

• Procedures for assigning Borough Commanders to incidents are specified.

6.10.3 Battalion/Division Relocation

• Coordination for Fire Ticket processing for relocations.

6.10 ADDENDUM 1: MODIFIED RESPONSE PROGRAM

1. INTRODUCTION

• Modified response policies aimed at reducing unnecessary emergency responses while maintaining safety and service levels.

2. RESPONSE TYPE

2.1 Group 1 Response

• Defined as modified single unit emergencies assigned to operational efficiency with limited activation.

2.2 Group 2 Response

• Responses requiring a primary response with defined operational limits across alarm categories.

3. BENEFITS

• Efficiency and safety-related advantages of the modified response program.

4. DEFINITIONS

• Operational definitions related to emergency responses and classifications outlined clearly.

5. STATISTICAL DATA

• Data recording and analytics to evaluate program effectiveness.

6. CONCLUSION

• Reinforcement of program intent for enhanced operational safety and service deliverables.

6.10 ADDENDUM 2: REDUCED RESPONSE CLASS “E” & “J” ALARMS

1 INTRODUCTION

• Class “E” and Class “J” alarms deploy modified response measures to maintain effective unit availability.

2. DISPATCH POLICY l

• Specific protocols for response dispatch based on alarm class, including exceptions and detailed response expectations.

3. UNIT RESPONSE

• Clear responsibilities and expectations for responding units upon class alarm activation.