How should a security guard respond to a fire alarm?

When a fire alarm sounds, the primary responsibility of a security guard is to follow evacuation procedures immediately. This approach prioritizes the safety of all individuals in the vicinity. Evacuation procedures are designed to ensure that everyone can exit the building in an orderly and safe manner, minimizing panic and ensuring proper accountability for all personnel.

Following evacuation procedures helps to quickly remove individuals from potential danger and allows emergency services to take control of the situation effectively when they arrive. Time is crucial during a fire alarm, as it may indicate an actual fire or other dangerous situations that require immediate action.

While investigating the source of the alarm might seem like a proactive measure, doing so can expose the guard and others to unnecessary risk if the alarm is legitimate. Similarly, disabling the alarm could prevent people from receiving timely warnings of a real emergency. Lastly, staying put until further instructions contradicts the essential goal of immediate action in emergencies. Therefore, following the established evacuation procedures is the most appropriate and safest response.