Announcement Personnel Exam Practice

FDNY F53 Emergency One-Way Voice Announcement Personnel Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of the One-Way Voice Announcement

(OWVA) system?

• To alert firefighters of hazardous materials
• To notify building occupants of emergency conditions and

instructions

• To operate building elevators remotely
• To control security alarms

Rationale: The OWVA system is designed to communicate emergency

instructions to occupants in buildings. 1 / 4

• In which type of building is OWVA typically required?
• Single-family homes
• High-rise buildings and large occupancies
• Small retail stores
• Warehouses under 5,000 sq. ft.

Rationale: OWVA systems are mandated in high-rise and large

occupancy buildings for occupant safety.

• Which FDNY code governs the installation and operation of OWVA

systems?

A. NFPA 72

B. NFPA 101

• NYC Fire Code Chapter 9
• NYC Building Code Chapter 7

Rationale: NYC Fire Code Chapter 9 includes requirements for fire

alarm and emergency communication systems.

• How often must OWVA systems be tested for functionality?
• Monthly
• Weekly
• Annually
• Every five years

Rationale: Annual testing ensures that the system is operational in

case of emergencies. 2 / 4

• Who is responsible for initiating the OWVA emergency

announcements?

• Firefighter on the scene
• Building control personnel or fire alarm control panel
• Security guard only
• Elevator operator

Rationale: The building's alarm control system or designated

personnel activate OWVA messages.

• Which component is essential for OWVA operation?
• Fire hose
• Sprinkler valve
• Speakers and fire alarm control panel
• Elevator controls

Rationale: Speakers deliver messages, while the control panel

initiates them.

• OWVA systems must be capable of reaching which areas?
• Only the lobby
• Only stairwells
• Only mechanical rooms
• All areas occupied by building tenants

Rationale: The system must communicate emergency instructions to

all occupied spaces. 3 / 4

• What is the primary reason for using a one-way voice system instead

of a two-way system?

• Cost savings
• To ensure messages are received clearly without interference
• To allow occupants to respond
• To control elevators remotely

Rationale: One-way systems provide uninterrupted emergency

messages to occupants.

• During an OWVA test, what must be verified?
• Only the volume
• Only the fire alarm activation
• Activation, intelligibility, and speaker coverage
• None of the above

Rationale: Comprehensive testing ensures messages are clear and

reach all required areas.

• Who may perform maintenance on OWVA systems?
• Any building tenant
• Security personnel
• Licensed fire alarm technicians
• Firefighters only

Rationale: Only qualified technicians can safely maintain and repair

these systems.

• / 4