What should occupants do if they detect a fire?

When occupants detect a fire, the appropriate response is to sound the alarm and evacuate immediately. This choice emphasizes the importance of alerting both emergency services and everyone in the vicinity to the danger, as fires can escalate rapidly and become uncontrollable.

Prioritizing evacuation ensures the safety of all individuals present, allowing them to exit the building before smoke and flames pose a greater threat. Alarm systems are designed to alert those in the building so that they can implement their evacuation plans effectively. It’s critical to follow established procedures in crisis situations to minimize risk and enhance everyone's safety.

In contrast, waiting for the fire to extinguish itself, attempting to put it out personally, or ignoring it altogether can lead to disastrous consequences. Fire can spread quickly, and delaying action can result in injuries or fatalities. Therefore, raising the alarm and evacuating is the safest and most effective course of action.