If the Fire Department Connection (FDC) is totally unusable during a sprinkler or standpipe pumping operation, what should be done?

When faced with a situation where the Fire Department Connection (FDC) is completely unusable during a sprinkler or standpipe pumping operation, charging the standpipe riser at the first floor is a practical and efficient response. This action allows firefighters to provide immediate water supply through the building’s plumbing system, facilitating the activation of the fire protection system despite issues with the FDC.

Charging the standpipe riser at the first floor effectively establishes a water supply to the upper levels where fire threats may exist. This method ensures that firefighters can still fight the fire promptly and effectively even when external supply lines fail.

Choosing to evacuate the area or notifying the fire chief may be necessary steps in broader emergency protocols, but they do not address the immediate need for water to combat the fire nor help in managing the situation effectively. Using a portable pump could be an alternative option, but it may not be necessary or the most efficient method when the existing standpipe system can still be utilized.