Read the label

By Mark van der Feyst

Buildings equipped with standpipes and/or sprinkler systems will have a fire department connection located on the outside. The FDC is designed to allow the fire department to supply and boost the incoming pressure so that optimal performance can be achieved. The FDC is labeled with the words "standpipe" or "sprinkler system." These labels help to ensure that the right FDC is supplied.

If there is only one FDC, then there is no concern. But if there are two or more FDCs, then ensuring the right FDC is supplied will be crucial. Make sure you read the label and connect to the right FDC. Pre-incident planning will help in identifying which FDCs are present and making sure that the label is readable and present.