What Security Professionals Should Do in the Event of a Fire

What should a security professional do in the event of a fire?

• A. Monitor the fire from a safe distance
• B. Follow the emergency evacuation plan and assist with the safe evacuation of people
• C. Attempt to extinguish the fire personally
• D. Immediately contact local fire departments

Answer: (B)

The choice to follow the emergency evacuation plan and assist with the safe evacuation of people is crucial in the event of a fire. The primary objective in any fire situation is to ensure the safety of all individuals present. Evacuation plans are designed to facilitate a quick and orderly exit from the building, minimizing confusion and chaos that can occur during an emergency. By assisting with the safe evacuation, a security professional plays an essential role in guiding people to safety, ensuring everyone knows the designated escape routes, and helping those who may need assistance, such as individuals with disabilities or those who may be panicking. While monitoring the fire from a safe distance may provide some situational awareness, it does not contribute to the safety of others nor does it address the immediate need for evacuation. Attempting to extinguish the fire personally can be dangerous and is not advised unless one is specifically trained and equipped to do so. Finally, while contacting local fire departments is important and should be part of the overall response, it is not the immediate priority compared to ensuring the safety of individuals inside the premises. Overall, following the emergency evacuation plan ensures a structured approach to safety, prioritizing human life above all else in such critical situations.

When the unexpected strikes and a fire erupts, what’s a security professional to do? Let’s think about that for a moment. In the face of peril, clarity and conformance to protocol can be life-saving. One might consider various responses, but the primary directive is simple: follow the emergency evacuation plan and assist with the safe evacuation of people.

You might be wondering why this is so crucial. Here’s the deal: these plans exist for a reason. They outline structured, efficient exit strategies to minimize chaos and confusion in emergencies. The last thing anyone needs is panic in the midst of a crisis. By sticking to the plan, you’re smoothing the path to safety for everyone involved.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Isn’t it also important to monitor the fire?” Sure, situational awareness has its place. Keeping an eye on where the flames are spreading can be useful, but it can’t replace the immediate need for a logical escape route. Monitoring from a distance? That’s not going to help someone struggling to find an exit in a smoke-filled hallway, is it?

Let’s take a moment to seriously consider the temptation to extinguish the fire personally. It’s a noble thought—wanting to tackle the flames head-on. But unless you're equipped with the right training and tools, diving in can shift you from a protector to a potential victim. You may end up being part of the problem rather than the solution.

And what about reaching out to local fire departments? While informing professional responders is undeniably essential, it shouldn’t overshadow the immediate priority: ensuring everyone gets out safely. The urgency of the situation calls for focusing on saving lives first and foremost.

Now, let’s step back and recap how a security professional can play a pivotal role in guiding people to safety. In hectic moments, having someone to lead the way makes a world of difference. Whether helping individuals in wheelchairs or those who might panic, your support can be life-saving. Just think about how helping a scared child find their parent or ensuring an elderly person navigates the escape route could create a sense of safety amid chaos.

So, why are we emphasizing the emergency evacuation plan? Because it prioritizes human life, and that's what matters most in any fire situation. Creating a safer environment isn’t just about following protocols; it’s about embodying the essence of duty of care. The next time you study for the Oregon DPSST Security Professional Practice Test, remember: safety is paramount, and guiding people to safety is the heart of a security professional's role.