During an active shooter emergency, if there is NO fire or smoke condition, what should be done with the manual fire alarm?

During an active shooter emergency, if there is NO fire or smoke condition, what should be done with the manual fire alarm?

• A. Activate it immediately
• B. Not be activated
• C. Only activate if the shooter is on the same floor
• D. Activate it after calling 911

Answer: (B)

In the scenario of an active shooter emergency without fire or smoke conditions, the manual fire alarm should not be activated. The reasoning behind this is rooted in the nature of the situation: activating the fire alarm could create chaos and confusion among individuals who may not be aware of the shooter. It could lead to people attempting to evacuate, making them more vulnerable as they congregate in hallways or exits, possibly putting them directly in the path of the shooter. The priority in an active shooter situation should be on ensuring personal safety and following designated lockdown procedures, rather than triggering an alarm that may not appropriately address the immediate threat. The focus should be on communication about the active threat and sheltering in place, rather than creating an additional risk through distraction and panic that a fire alarm might evoke.

In the scenario of an active shooter emergency without fire or smoke conditions, the manual fire alarm should not be activated. The reasoning behind this is rooted in the nature of the situation: activating the fire alarm could create chaos and confusion among individuals who may not be aware of the shooter. It could lead to people attempting to evacuate, making them more vulnerable as they congregate in hallways or exits, possibly putting them directly in the path of the shooter.

The priority in an active shooter situation should be on ensuring personal safety and following designated lockdown procedures, rather than triggering an alarm that may not appropriately address the immediate threat. The focus should be on communication about the active threat and sheltering in place, rather than creating an additional risk through distraction and panic that a fire alarm might evoke.