Which statement about standpipes is accurate?

• A. They are portable hoses connected to a water supply.
• B. They are fixed building water distribution systems only used outdoors.
• C. They are fixed building water distribution systems.
• D. They are used for ventilation.

Answer: (C)

Standpipes are fixed building water distribution systems designed to supply water for firefighting from a building’s own water supply. They’re installed inside structures and provide outlets on different floors for firefighters to connect attack hoses, so water can be delivered quickly without dragging hoses from the street. They can be wet (always full of water) or dry (pressurized when a hose is connected). This makes them the precise description of a standpipe’s role: a fixed part of the building’s fire protection system. They aren’t portable hoses brought from outside, they aren’t limited to outdoor use, and they aren’t used for ventilation.