Connecticut Security Officer License Practice Exam

What should security officers do if they encounter a fire?

1. Wait for instructions from the fire department

2. Activate the fire alarm and evacuate the area

3. Attempt to extinguish the fire themselves

4. Ignore it if it seems small

The correct answer is: Activate the fire alarm and evacuate the area

When security officers encounter a fire, the most appropriate response is to activate the fire alarm and evacuate the area. This action ensures that anyone in the vicinity is alerted to the danger and can evacuate to safety. Promptly activating the fire alarm is crucial for notifying others and the fire department, allowing for a quicker and more coordinated emergency response. Evacuating the area minimizes risks not only for the officer but also for others who may be near the fire. Safety is the top priority, and by facilitating an evacuation, the officer helps prevent injuries or fatalities that could occur if individuals remain in a hazardous environment. While waiting for instructions from the fire department may seem reasonable, it can lead to unnecessary delays in alerting others and evacuating the area, which is critical during a fire emergency. Attempting to extinguish the fire without proper equipment or training can expose the officer to great danger and is not typically recommended unless they are trained and the fire is small enough to control safely. Ignoring a fire, regardless of its size, poses a significant risk to everyone present and is not a responsible action. Thus, activating the fire alarm and facilitating an evacuation is the responsible procedure that prioritizes safety and effective emergency response.