What should you do during a fire drill or fire emergency?

• A. Ignore the alarm and evacuate when ready.
• B. Follow RACE steps, move residents to safe locations, use stairs not elevators, and report to designated assembly area.
• C. Use elevators to evacuate as quickly as possible.
• D. Call the nurse station and wait.

Answer: (B)

During a fire emergency, the priority is to act quickly and safely by following the facility’s established fire response protocol. The RACE steps guide the actions: Rescue anyone in immediate danger if you can do so safely, Activate the alarm to summon help, Contain the fire by closing doors to limit its spread, and Evacuate if the fire isn’t contained or if you’re advised to do so. In addition, move residents to safe locations along the evacuation route, making sure every resident gets help with mobility needs and safety considerations. Use stairs rather than elevators, since elevators can fail, trap people, or spread smoke during a fire. After reaching the designated assembly area, report to the supervisor so everyone is counted and accounted for. Avoid delaying evacuation to fetch belongings or waiting inside the building, and don’t re-enter until authorities say it’s safe. This approach ensures rapid, organized evacuation and clear accountability.