COMMUNICATIONS MANUAL

CHAPTER 4
November 13, 2014
CRITICAL INFORMATION
DISPATCH SYSTEM (CIDS)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4.0 INTRODUCTION 1

4.1 CIDS PROGRAM CONCEPT 1

4.2 SPECIFICS OF THE PROGRAM 1

4.3 IDENTIFICATION OF CIDS BUILDINGS 2

4.4 GENERAL GUIDELINES 4

4.5 ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS 9

4.6 CONCLUSION 10

APPENDIX A RECOMMENDED ABBREVIATIONS

APPENDIX B EXAMPLES OF CIDS ENTRIES

ADDENDUM 1 REMOVAL OF A MEDICAL FACILITY FROM THE CFR-D RESPONSE MATRIX

ADDENDUM 2 ELECTRONIC CRITICAL INFORMATION DISPATCH SYSTEM (eCIDS)

COMPUTER APPLICATION USER GUIDE

ADDENDUM 3 NYCTA STATIONS BY STATION NAMES

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4.0 INTRODUCTION

The CIDS program utilizes the teleprinter or MDT dispatch message to provide critical
information about specific buildings to responding units. The information provided by
CIDS alerts units to dangerous, hazardous or unusual conditions which are not necessarily
apparent from the front of the building. It also provides accurate and consistent information
for required fire, emergency and radio progress reports.

Units are responsible for identifying buildings in their administrative districts which qualify
for the program. CIDS messages will be entered using the FDNY Electronic Critical
Information Dispatch System (eCIDS).

4.1 CIDS PROGRAM CONCEPT

4.1.1 CIDS information is available to responding units via the teleprinter or MDT
dispatch message. The CIDS information received will enhance operational
efficiency by alerting responding units to dangerous, hazardous, or unusual
conditions. The CIDS program is also designed to work in conjunction with the
Departments Pre-incident Guideline (PG) program. Chief Officers receiving
CIDS messages beginning with the FD designation PG shall refer to such
guidelines as necessary while responding to and managing incidents at these
locations.

4.2 SPECIFICS OF THE CIDS PROGRAM

4.2.1 The address and/or Special Name/Place of the building is the key to the CIDS
program. If the address is known and the building has been entered into the
Starfire as a CIDS building, the CIDS information will be automatically included
on the teleprinter message.

4.2.2 When the dispatcher types in the address and/or Special Name/Place of a reported
building fire or emergency, Starfire scans its memory file. If the building is a
CIDS building, Starfire will automatically include CIDS information on the
teleprinter or MDT message. The dispatcher will announce "CIDS information is
available on request" for units directed to respond when out of quarters.

4.2.3 CIDS data can only be provided if the address and/or Special Name/Place of the
building is known. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the first arriving officer to
give the address and/or Special Name/Place of the building as soon as possible if
it has not been identified previously or if the address differs from the original
address given on the teleprinter or MDT message. If the building is a CIDS
building, the information will then be announced over the Department radio and
transmitted via teleprinter or MDT to responding units.

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4.2.4 If the address of the fire or emergency is not a CIDS building but is on the same
side of the street and is within three house numbers of a CIDS building, the
computer will identify the CIDS building(s) to the borough dispatcher. The
dispatcher will notify the Incident Commander (IC) of this fact via radio if
Preliminary or Progress Reports indicate that exposures are a consideration.
The IC must be aware of these provisions and always verify that the CIDS
information relates to the building at which operations are being conducted.

4.3 IDENTIFICATION OF CIDS BUILDINGS

4.3.1 Company Officers must consider all buildings in their administrative area as
potential CIDS buildings. In considering a building they must look for conditions
that would not be immediately apparent to arriving units.
It is mandatory that every building that is designated as a Bowstring Truss
(BWSTRG), CFR Hold (CFRH), Major Alteration (MJALT), Pre-Incident
Guideline (PG), or Rehabilitated (REHAB), be included in the CIDS program.

4.3.2 Examples of conditions that should be considered for inclusion in the CIDS
program are:
A. Hazardous chemicals, liquids and substances. Always indicate floor and
location.
B. High voltage equipment. Transformers containing PCBs. Always indicate
floor and location of such equipment.
C. Interconnected, odd or unusually shaped buildings. Indicate which floors
are interconnected.
D. Buildings with structural hazards or heavy fire loading.
E. Renovated buildings with hidden voids, or duplex apartments. Indicate
which floors give access and direction of travel to duplex apartments.
F. Truss buildings (describe type of truss).
Note: The FD designation (BWSTRG) shall be utilized for Bowstring
Trusses.
G. Metal bar joist, Q-deck roofs or floors, steel plated buildings.
H. Handicapped, bedridden, or incapacitated individuals. Where possible,
specify the location.
I. Schools with handicapped students.
J. Special extinguishing systems, and the location of related controls.
K. Siamese locations, if not in a normal location or readily visible.
L. Location of OS&Y valves or alarm panels, if not located in an easily
found location.
M. Sub-cellar levels and access locations.
N. Location of guard dogs.

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O. Telephone numbers of knowledgeable persons, such as the owner,

building engineer or superintendent.
P. Occupied Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) buildings that
have had vacant apartments sealed. (Warehoused apartments)
Q. High-Rise MDs where a three length stretch would not be sufficient.
R. High-Rise MDs with communication systems.
S. High-Rise MDs with sprinklers in areas other than below grade.
T. Non-standpipe low-rise fireproof MDs where 1¾" hose may be used.
U. Medical facilities that do not warrant a CFR-D response. (CFRH)
Note: This list is not intended to be all-inclusive. Officers are encouraged to
include other items if they feel that the condition or hazard should be
identified.

4.3.3 Immediate Entry (Imminently Hazardous Condition)

Immediate entry of an imminently hazardous condition can be accomplished
with the approval of the administrative Deputy Chief.
The administrative unit Officer shall:
• Use the eCIDS application to enter the proposed immediate CIDS.
Faxed paper copies of the CD-201 are no longer accepted.
• Change the “CIDS type” dropdown from “Original” or “Revised” to
“Immediate”.
• After submitting the CIDS entry, notify the administrative BC by phone
to inform the Chief of the pending immediate CIDS.
• Upon notification, the administrative BC shall enter the eCIDS
application to view the pending immediate CIDS. If approved, the BC
shall notify the administrative DC by phone to inform the Chief of the
pending immediate CIDS.
• Upon notification, the administrative DC shall enter the eCIDS
application to view the pending immediate CIDS. If approved, the DC
shall notify FDOC by phone (718-999-7900).
Note: An immediate CIDS entry will always appear at the top of a units pending
list and be in bold print.
• Upon notification, FDOC shall enter the “Immediate CIDS” into
Starfire.
Note: Submission of an immediate CIDS will generate automatic email
notifications to the next level of necessary approval up to and including the
FDOC.

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4.4 GENERAL GUIDELINES

4.4.1 CIDS Message Content
A. The teleprinter dispatch message has space for four lines of CIDS
information. Each line has room for 40 characters. A character can be a
letter, space, dash or punctuation mark. Therefore, each teleprinter
message can contain up to 160 characters. Messages entered into the
computer must maximize the use of this 160 character space. Data should
be relevant and should primarily alert companies to any dangerous,
hazardous or unusual conditions which are not necessarily apparent from
the front of the building.
B. A CIDS entry shall be completed electronically using the eCIDS
application whenever an Officer feels that a structure should be included in
the CIDS Program. See addendum 2 of this document for detailed
instructions concerning the eCIDS application.
C. Common or universal abbreviations shall be used when necessary. (See
Appendix A.)
D. Message should be clear enough so that members unfamiliar with the
building or area will understand it.
E. Grammatically complete sentences are not required. Use dashes to
separate information or thoughts. There is no need to skip a space if you
use a dash.
F. To ensure clarity and readability of the message, do not split a word at the
end of a line.

4.4.2 Specific Instructions

The following procedure shall be used for completing a CIDS Entry:

Unit officers shall utilize onsite inspections in conjunction with other resources
(FDNY BIS, FDNY Map Application, DOB Information Search, Structural
Integrity Reports, etc.) for necessary research prior to submitting or revising a
CIDS.

Many buildings throughout the city have multiple official street addresses or
address ranges associated with them. The intent of the CIDS program is to only
have CIDS entries for the address or addresses that that would be used when a
caller or associated alarm company reports a fire/emergency at that location.
Most often, the only applicable address(es) will be the address(es) posted on the
building and/or its individual occupancies. It is NOT the intent of this program to
create multiple duplicate CIDS entries for additional unused addresses associated
with a building.

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It is the responsibility of the unit officer submitting or revising the CIDS entry to
determine which additional listed addresses or AKA’s, if any, require CIDS. If
applicable, the Officer shall submit additional CIDS entries for those additional
addresses. When space permits, the other known applicable addresses should be
included in "Transmitted Data" portion of each CIDS entry. When encountering
buildings with multiple addresses, address ranges posted on the building, and
interconnected buildings, follow instructions in section 4.4.2 B.

A. Complete the CIDS entry utilizing the eCIDS application on the FDNY
Intranet. See addendum 2 of this bulletin for detailed instructions
concerning the eCIDS application.
B. House Number: Use only one house number per CIDS entry. Starfire can
only search for one address or Special Name/Place at a time.
Individual address marking situations are described below:

Single Building - Single Address Posted - One Address Found During

Research - When a single building regardless of size has a single address
prepare one CIDS entry. This provision applies even if the building fronts
on more than one street.

Single Building - Single Address Posted - Multiple Addresses and/or

Address Range(s) Found During Research- When a single building has
multiple addresses listed in the FDNY BIS or FDNY Map Application, but
only has a single address number posted on the building, prepare a CIDS
entry for the posted address. The unit officer shall determine if additional
CIDS entries are required for any other applicable addresses or AKA’s
associated with the building. See the 2 nd & 3rd paragraphs of section 4.4.2.

Single Building - Multi-Number Address Range Posted - Multiple

Addresses and/or Address Range(s) Found During Research- When a
single building has an address range posted on the building, Example
“100-112 Williams Ave.”, the unit officer must enter a CIDS message for
the first and last posted address numbers of such range. The combined
number 100-112 should also be included in the "Transmitted Data" portion
of each CIDS entry (Example- “AKA 100-112 Williams Ave.”). The unit
officer shall determine if additional CIDS entries are required for any
other applicable addresses or AKA’s associated with the building. See the
2nd & 3rd paragraphs of section 4.4.2.
Note: The above example only applies when an address range is posted

on the building.

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Interconnected/Attached Buildings & Building Complexes - Separate

Addresses Posted on Buildings - When interconnected/attached buildings
and building complexes have a separate house number posted on each
building, a separate CIDS entry must be entered for each address.
Example: Complex identified during research as 20-40 Pitkin Ave. but is 3
separate buildings each with a separate address number posted (20,30,40
Pitkin Ave.), a separate CIDS entry is required for 20, 30, and 40 with the
"Transmitted Data" portion of each CIDS entry indicating the number of
buildings in the complex. For example:"3 Bldg Complex" or "3
Interconnected Bldgs".

C. Special Name/Place File:

1. If a building or facility has a unique and distinctly recognizable
name, a separate CIDS entry shall be entered for its Special
Name/Place in addition to its address or addresses.
(See addendum 2 of this document for detailed instructions
referring to Special Name/Places). This requirement is necessary
to ensure that CIDS information will be forthcoming even if only
the name of the building is given by a person reporting a fire or
emergency.
EXAMPLE: Madison Square Garden
420 8th Avenue
Note: Special Name/Place file entries are intended for unique and
distinctly recognizable locations and not intended for multi-
location type occupancies or other common tenant names.
EXAMPLES: McDonalds
Joes Pizza
2. If the building or facility does not have an associated house
number and street name enter its Special Name/Place only.
EXAMPLES: Statue of Liberty
Lincoln Tunnel
Note: CIDS information can only be entered or revised for a building or
facility listed in the current Starfire Special Name/Place File.
A link to the current Special Name/Place file (with and without
CIDS entries) has been provided on the FDNY Intranet.
Submitting officers shall reference this file prior to entering or
revising the CIDS message for a current Special Name/Place, or
submitting application for an addition to Special Name/Place file.
Applications for new entries into the Special Name/Place file are
accepted via the eCIDS application. Submitting officer will be
prompted by eCIDS to enter required information online which
will be electronically transmitted to the Street File Unit at the
Bureau of Communications. If approved, necessary updates to
the Special Name/Place File will be made by the Street File Unit
at the Bureau of Communications.

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D. Transmitted Data: (See Appendix B for examples)

This is the portion of the CIDS entry that will appear with the teleprinter or
MDT dispatch message.
Information in this section must be listed in the following priority order.
The eCIDS application will assist user in placing the transmitted data
information into proper order. See addendum 2 of this document for
detailed instructions concerning the eCIDS application.

1. FD DESIGNATION: If applicable, one of the following

designations may be used: BWSTRG, CFRH (revision of entries
with current CFRH status only), MJALT, PG, or REHAB.
Note: Application for new CFRH status will be handled as per
addendum 1 of this document.

2. OCCUPANCY: Choose from the provided dropdown list or

enter your own.

3. DESCRIPTION OF BUILDING:
• Height in stories

• Dimensions of building

• Construction Class
1938 Building Code Construction Classifications
Class 1: Fireproof Structure
Class 2: Fire-Protected Structure
Class 3: Non-Fireproof Structure
Class 4: Wood Frame Structure
Class 5: Metal Structure
Class 6: Heavy Timber Structure

Many newly constructed or renovated buildings do not conform

to the construction classifications of the 1938 building code and
are constructed using Light-Weight Construction Materials.
To assist in identifying these structures, 3 additional construction
classifications have been added for use as follows:
• A Fire-Protected structure constructed using metal “C”
joist or steel bar joist would be classified as a CL2LW.
• A Non-Fireproof structure renovated or repaired using
any type of structural Light-Weight materials would be
classified as CL3LW.
• A Wood Frame structure constructed using any type of
structural Light-Weight materials would be classified as
CL4LW.

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• A detailed description of the construction material or

construction techniques used would be included in the
transmitted data portion of the CIDS card.
• LW after the construction classification should prompt
the reader to consult the “transmitted data” for specific
information on the type of Light-Weight Construction
Materials used.
• If submitting or approving officers deem necessary, and
space allows, the date the building was constructed or
altered can also be included within the “transmitted data”
to provide insight into the construction techniques used.
EXAMPLE: PD 3 STY 25X60 CL4LW-L/W WOOD
JOIST TRUSS ON ROOF AND FLOORING
ALL FLRS-YEAR BUILT 2008

4. DESCRIPTION OF THE DANGEROUS, HAZARDOUS OR

UNUSUAL CONDITIONS: Describe the condition(s) which are
not necessarily apparent from the front of the building along with
any other information that will assist operating units.

5. MINRESP: In situations where size, construction, layout, or

operational requirements of a building warrant, an enhanced
response MINRESP followed by a space and then a two digit
number representing the number of engines and the number of
ladders placed last in the “transmitted data” would trigger the
predetermined response. When selected from the dropdown, the
eCIDS application will prompt the user if the MINRESP is not
in its required location at the end of the “transmitted data”
section.
EXAMPLE: MD 6 STY 100X80 CL3-DUPLEX APTS ON
2 TO 3 FL-ENT TO APTS ON 3 FL-MINRESP 32

Note: All or part of the spaces on the four lines on the CIDS card can
be utilized. Be as brief as possible. However, always include the
area or location of pertinent information.
E. Action to be Taken:
If additional action is required to be taken by the administrative unit,
Battalion, or Division, it should be checked off. This section serves as a
reminder that additional action may be necessary. It would also serve as
identification for other command levels to identify action taken.
F. Revise/Revoke a CIDS Entry:
If changes in CIDS entries are required, use the Revise/Revoke section of
the eCIDS application. Submitting officer shall enter the reason why the
CIDS entry is being revised or revoked.

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4.5 ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS

4.5.1 Administrative Unit Duties

Only the administrative unit shall submit or revise CIDS entries for buildings
within their administrative district. Units discovering a potential CIDS entry for
buildings not located within their administrative district shall immediately notify
the administrative unit of the particulars. The administrative unit shall evaluate
the building and submit a CIDS entry electronically using the eCIDS application
if necessary.
A. Information contained in the CIDS entry becomes part of the building
profile and should be reviewed and verified each time the building is
inspected or re-inspected. The RBIS Application contains a link to the
eCIDS report. The report is a read-only document which should be
printed and attached to the Building Profile report prior to conducting
BISP. The eCIDS application must be accessed to record the review and
verification of the CIDS or to make any necessary revisions.
B. A master list of a units CIDS, currently in Starfire, can be accessed via
the “Starfire Report” link located within the eCIDS application.

4.5.2 Administrative Battalion Duties

The administrative Battalion shall approve and endorse CIDS entries electronically
using the eCIDS application. Endorsements should not be considered routine.
The Battalion Chiefs approval will indicate that the information has been
evaluated and that entries are in compliance with this chapter and addendum 2.
A. eCIDS entries should be reviewed and approved, revised and approved,
or disapproved and returned for correction electronically (stating
reason).
B. The endorsing Battalion Chief shall evaluate CIDS entries to ensure
compliance with established instructions, and that any necessary
additional action has been taken.
C. Once approved, the eCIDS entry will be electronically forwarded to the
Administrative Division for examination.

4.5.3 Administrative Division Duties

The administrative Division shall approve and endorse CIDS entries electronically
using the eCIDS application. Endorsements should not be considered routine. The
Deputy Chief's approval will indicate that the information has been evaluated and
that entries are in compliance with this chapter and addendum 2.
A. eCIDS entries should be reviewed and approved, revised and approved,
or disapproved and returned to the administrative Battalion for
correction electronically (stating reason).
B. The endorsing Deputy Chief shall evaluate CIDS entries to ensure
compliance with established instructions, and that any necessary
additional action has been taken.

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C. Upon approval at the Division level, the eCIDS entry will be

electronically entered into Starfire on the next scheduled weekly export.
Note: An Immediate CIDS entry is the exception to the above, see section
4.3.3 and addendum 2 of this chapter for further details.

4.5.4 CIDS Desk

A. The CIDS Desk is located within the BISP Unit. The officers staffing
the CIDS Desk will be available to assist field officers with general
CIDS questions as well as procedural questions concerning the eCIDS
application. The CIDS Desk will also work in conjunction with the
Bureau of Communications Street File Unit to address street file and
special name/place issues as they arise. Field officers can contact the
CIDS Desk by phone at 718-281-3877 Monday to Friday 8am-8pm or by
email at [email protected].
Note: Questions related to logging into the eCIDS application as well as Single
Sign-on issues shall NOT be directed to the CIDS Desk but shall be
directed to the FDNY computer help desk at 718-999-2611.

4.6 CONCLUSION
4.6.1 In addition to BISP inspections, Officers of all ranks shall utilize every
opportunity to identify buildings or facilities as potential candidates for the
CIDS program.

4.6.2 The success of the CIDS program will be dependent on cooperation and input
from all members. Remember that the information submitted could be a vital
contribution that effects safety and enhances the operational efficiency of
members at fires and emergencies.

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APPENDIX A

Recommended Abbreviations for CIDS Entries

A/C Air Conditioner MJALT Major Alterations

ABR Architectural Barrier Removal MD Multiple Dwelling
AIR Artist in Residence MEZZ Mezzanine
ALT Alteration MFG Manufacturing
AMT Amount MINRESP Minimum Response
APT Apartment MKT Market
ATTCH Attached MVRS Motor Vehicle Repair Shop
BLDG Building N/E or N/W Northeast, Northwest
BSMT Basement NLT New Law Tenement
BWSTRG Bowstring Truss OLT Old Law Tenement
CFRH CFR Hold PASSWAY Passageway
CL Class PCB Polychlorinated Biphenyls
CNTR Center PD Private Dwelling
COMM Commercial PG Pre-Incident Guideline
CONST Construction PH Penthouse
CP Command Post PPM Parts Per Million
CYL Cylinder PVC Polyvinyl Chloride
EIFS Exterior Insulation Finish System REHAB Rehabilitated
EEW Energy Efficient Windows RF Roof
ELEV Elevator RM Room
ENCLSD Enclosed S/E or S/W Southeast, Southwest
ENT Entrance SIAM Siamese
EQUIP Equipment SPKR Sprinkler
EX Former SRO Single Room Occupancy
EXP Exposure STDP Standpipe
EXT Extension STOR Storage
FE Fire Escape STOR GAR Storage Garage
FL or FLS Floor or Floors STY Story
FLAM Flammable SUBVD Subdivided
HVY Heavy SUPMKT Supermarket
HYD Hydrant SYS System
HAZ MAT Hazardous Material THRUOUT Throughout
INTERCONN Interconnected TL Tower Ladder
IRREG Irregular TRANS Transformer
LCP Lobby Command Post VAC Vacant
LTD Limited VIO Volatile Inflammable Oil
L/W Light Weight VLT Vault
LIQ Liquid WHSE Warehouse
LSR Life Saving Rope WNDWS Windows
MER Mechanical Equipment Room WSD Window Security Device
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APPENDIX B
Examples of CIDS Entries
1. RETAIL STORE 2 STY 75X100 CL3
AKA 2830 CHURCH AVE-1 STY REAR EXT
STEEL PLATES ON ROOF OF REAR EXT
2. MD 6 STY 100X80 CL3 DUPLEX APTS ON
2 TO 3 FL-ENT TO APTS ON 3 FL
3. PD 3 STY 25X60 CL4LW-L/W WOOD JOIST
TRUSS ON ROOF AND FLOORING ALL FLRS
YEAR BUILT 2008
4. DEPT STORE 1 STY 1000X200 CL3
MVRS IN REAR ON EXP 4 SIDE-SPKR SHUT OFF
IN FRONT ON EXP 2 SIDE
5. PG OFFICE BLDG 23 STY 100X150 CL1
L SHAPE-CORE CONST-SIDE ENT 610 W 43 ST
PCB TRANS THRUOUT-LCP LISTS LOCATIONS
6. RETAIL STORE 1 STY 40X80 CL3
PART OF TAXPAYER WITH 10 STORES-COMMON
CELLAR & COCKLOFT-DRY PIPE SPKR CELLARS
7. FACTORY 6 STY 100X200 CL2 MFG PLASTIC
PRODUCTS-INTERCONN 173 JOHN ST ON
ALL FLS-SPKR SIAM IN REAR ON WHITE ST
8. CONGREGATE CARE 4 STY 20X60 CL3
BROWNSTONE-MENTALLY IMPAIRED &
HANDICAP PERSONS ON ALL FLS
9. APPLIANCE STORE 1 STY 200X150 CL3
SIDE ENT ON 15 ST SIDE-GUARD DOGS ON
ROOF & ENTIRE 1 FL WHEN STORE IS CLOSED
10. REHAB MD 4 STY 60X80 CL3 INTERCONN
182, 186 & 190 WEBSTER AVE-MAIN ENT IN
186 WEBSTER-NO STAIRWAYS IN 182 WEBSTER
11. CFRH HIP CENTER 3 STY 75X100 CL3
HOURS M-S 0800-2100-SUN CLOSED
12. BWSTRG-GARAGE 1 STY 100X150 CL3
CEILING COVERS WOOD TRUSSES
NO RF OPS-INTERIOR OPS AFTER IC EVAL
FOR ANY FIRE IN BLDG