If a fire alarm sounds, workers should

• A. Evacuate using designated exits.
• B. Evacuate to the outside using the nearest exit.
• C. Evacuate promptly using the nearest exit.
• D. Return to work after a quick check.

Answer: (C)

When a fire alarm sounds, the priority is personal safety and rapid, orderly escape. The best response is to evacuate promptly using the nearest exit. Moving quickly through the closest safe route minimizes exposure to heat and smoke, reduces crowding at doorways, and gets you to a safe area and assembly point without delay. After you’re outside, stay there and wait for instructions, without re-entering the building. The other idea of evacuating via designated exits is similar, but emphasizing promptness and the nearest exit ensures the fastest, most direct path to safety. Returning to work after a quick check is unsafe because conditions inside can change rapidly and put you or others at risk.