New Jersey Security Guard Practice Exam

What should a security guard do if they witness a fire?

1. Ignore it and continue monitoring the area

2. Report it to the nearest authority without taking action

3. Activate the fire alarm, evacuate the area, and call 911

4. Attempt to extinguish the fire immediately

The correct answer is: Activate the fire alarm, evacuate the area, and call 911

The most appropriate action for a security guard to take when witnessing a fire is to activate the fire alarm, evacuate the area, and call 911. This response is critical for ensuring the safety of everyone in the vicinity. Activating the fire alarm alerts all occupants of the building to evacuate and prepares them to exit the area quickly and safely, which is vital in preventing injuries. Evacuating the area is equally important, as it minimizes the risk of being trapped or harmed by smoke and flames. Calling 911 ensures that trained emergency response teams are notified and can respond promptly to address the situation. This coordinated approach helps contain the fire, protect lives, and facilitate the necessary fire-fighting efforts. Other choices are less effective and could potentially lead to dangerous outcomes. Ignoring the fire or continuing to monitor the area disregards the immediate threat to safety. Simply reporting the fire without taking any action would delay potentially life-saving measures. Attempting to extinguish the fire can be dangerous, especially if the security guard is not trained or equipped to handle such situations, and could put them and others at risk.