Washington State Security Guard License Practice Exam

When responding to an alarm and detecting a lot of smoke a Guard should:

1. Call the fire Department and start a search for people inside

2. Call the Fire Department and put the fire out

3. Enter the building to check for trapped people

4. Call the Fire Department, stay a safe distance and keep people back

The correct answer is: Call the Fire Department, stay a safe distance and keep people back

The correct action when responding to an alarm and detecting a lot of smoke is to call the Fire Department, stay a safe distance, and keep people back. This is because security guards are typically not trained or equipped to handle structure fires. Firefighting is a job for professionals as it requires specialized knowledge, skills, and equipment. The priority of the guard in such a situation should be to ensure the safety of the people first and then the property. The guard should call the professional firefighters who have the right equipment and training to deal with such situations. Also, by staying at a safe distance, the security guard is protecting their own safety. They can help control the situation better by preventing people from entering dangerous areas until professional help arrives. Trying to extinguish a fire, as the other options suggest, not only puts the guard's own life in danger but also can cause more harm than good if not done properly. Therefore, the best course of action is to alert the professionals, maintain a safe distance, and help control the crowd until help arrives.