North Dakota Security Guard Practice Exam

What actions should be taken if a guard discovers a fire?

1. Ignore it if the fire seems small

2. Activate fire alarms, notify occupants, and call emergency services immediately

3. Attempt to extinguish the fire independently

4. Notify only the nearest supervisor of the situation

The correct answer is: Activate fire alarms, notify occupants, and call emergency services immediately

When a guard discovers a fire, the most appropriate and critical action is to activate fire alarms, notify occupants, and call emergency services immediately. This response prioritizes the safety of everyone in the vicinity by ensuring that those in danger are alerted to evacuate and that professional help is on the way as quickly as possible. Activating the fire alarms alerts all occupants in the building, allowing them to take necessary precautions, such as evacuating. Notifying emergency services brings trained firefighters and professionals to the scene to handle the situation appropriately. This response follows established safety protocols and emphasizes the urgency of the situation, as even small fires can escalate quickly if not addressed properly. In situations involving fire, it is generally unsafe for individuals without proper training and equipment to attempt to extinguish the fire independently. Therefore, relying solely on personal judgment without alerting others could lead to dangerous situations, preventing occupants from evacuating or emergency services from responding in a timely manner.