What should a guard do if they encounter a fire?

When a guard encounters a fire, their immediate priority should be to ensure the safety of all individuals present in the area. Activating the fire alarm and evacuating the area serves two crucial functions: it alerts others to the danger and initiates an organized evacuation, which is necessary for minimizing panic and potential injuries.

This procedure aligns with standard emergency response protocols, which emphasize the importance of notifying others and ensuring that everyone exits the building in a safe and timely manner. The fire alarm serves as an official alert that prompts emergency services to respond while allowing individuals to escape the potentially hazardous environment.

Attempting to put out the fire by oneself is often risky and can lead to personal injury or exacerbate the situation if the fire spreads. It's essential to focus on evacuation and let trained professionals handle the firefighting. Ensuring that no one is around before leaving might put others at risk if the guard doesn't act promptly to alert everyone in danger. Lastly, calling friends for backup is an inappropriate response during an emergency situation, as it does not contribute to safety and also delays necessary actions like notifying others or evacuating.