How should a security guard react to a fire alarm?

A security guard should follow evacuation protocols and ensure the safety of all occupants when a fire alarm sounds. This action is crucial for the protection of lives and safety within the facility. A fire alarm indicates a potential emergency, and immediate action is necessary to help minimize risks associated with smoke inhalation, fire, or panic among occupants.

Safety protocols often delineate clear responsibilities for security personnel during emergencies. By following these protocols, guards can guide people to safe exits, account for occupants, and assist in controlling the situation while remaining calm and informed. This proactive response helps prevent chaos and ensures an organized evacuation process.

The other options do not prioritize safety effectively. Ignoring an alarm undermines the seriousness of potential emergencies, while investigating the situation could put the guard and others in danger if a fire is indeed present. Waiting for instructions might delay necessary actions and could lead to confusion in an urgent situation. Therefore, adherence to established evacuation protocols is both a legal and ethical duty of security personnel.