Building Maintenance Practice Exam

Activating the fire alarm system is the critical first step to take in the event of a fire. This action alerts everyone in the building to the danger, allowing for an organized evacuation and ensuring that emergency services are notified. By activating the alarm, individuals can significantly minimize risk and provide others with the opportunity to evacuate safely.

Using a fire extinguisher might seem like a proactive step, but if the fire is too large or spreading quickly, it can be dangerous to attempt to put it out alone without first alerting others. Continuing to work is clearly unsafe, as personal safety should always come first in an emergency situation. While assessing the size of the fire might be necessary to determine the response, it should not come before notifying others of the danger. Activating the fire alarm prioritizes safety and facilitates a swift response from the entire building's occupants and emergency services.