Maryland Security Guard Practice Exam

Which action is necessary if a security guard suspects a fire?

1. Investigate the potential fire source

2. Activate alarms and evacuate the area

3. Try to put out the fire themselves

4. Notify only other security personnel

The correct answer is: Activate alarms and evacuate the area

When a security guard suspects a fire, activating alarms and ensuring the evacuation of the area is critical for several reasons. The primary concern in a fire situation is to ensure the safety of all individuals present. By activating alarms, the guard alerts everyone in the vicinity to the danger, allowing them to respond quickly and evacuate the area in an orderly manner. Immediate evacuation helps to reduce the risk of injury or loss of life, as smoke and flames can spread rapidly. It enables emergency services to arrive and address the fire without interference from potentially panicked individuals trying to escape. While investigating the source of the fire or attempting to extinguish it may seem proactive, these actions can pose significant risks that may exacerbate the situation. The responsibility of the guard is to ensure that people are safe and that proper emergency procedures are followed, rather than attempting to manage the fire themselves or notifying only a select group of personnel.