Oregon Security Guard Certification Practice Exam

What is the first step a security guard should take if they witness a fire?

1. Attempt to extinguish the fire themselves

2. Activate the fire alarm and begin evacuation procedures

3. Notify nearby individuals and wait for further instructions

4. Report the fire to their employer

The correct answer is: Activate the fire alarm and begin evacuation procedures

The first step a security guard should take when witnessing a fire is to activate the fire alarm and begin evacuation procedures. This response is crucial because it prioritizes the safety of all individuals in the vicinity. Activating the fire alarm alerts everyone to the emergency, prompting a swift response and allowing for the safe evacuation of personnel and visitors. Initiating evacuation procedures ensures that individuals are guided to safety in an orderly manner, reducing the likelihood of panic and injury. It is also important to follow established emergency protocols, which are designed to ensure the safety of everyone present. Once the alarm has been raised and evacuation is in progress, further actions can be taken, such as notifying emergency services and assessing the situation. Attempting to extinguish the fire on one’s own might put the security guard at risk if the fire is too large or out of control. Simply notifying nearby individuals without activating emergency alarms neglects the protocol that prioritizes alerting everyone immediately. Additionally, reporting to an employer comes after ensuring that immediate safety measures are in place. The correct response focuses on immediate safety actions rather than delayed or secondary measures.