Continual preplan visits by fire department personnel to high-rise buildings under construction are recommended to evaluate which of the following?

• A. Special needs
• B. Access routes
• C. Construction hazards
• D. Fire loads

Answer: (A)

Continual preplan visits to high-rise buildings under construction prioritize identifying occupants who may need evacuation assistance or other special considerations during an emergency. As construction progresses, the building’s ability to accommodate or evacuate people with mobility limitations, sensory impairments, or other dependencies can change—elevators might be out of service, stairways may be blocked, refuge areas may be added or removed, and temporary means of egress can appear. By repeatedly visiting, the fire department gathers up-to-date information about these special needs, enabling preincident plans to address how to locate (or assist) such occupants, assign the proper personnel for support, and coordinate with construction teams on temporary life-safety accommodations. While other factors like access routes, construction hazards, and fire loads are also important components of planning, the ongoing focus on special needs ensures life safety for vulnerable occupants is consistently addressed as the building evolves.