New Brunswick Security Guard License Practice Exam

What should a guard do if an alarm goes off?

1. Ignore it unless someone complains

2. Assess the situation, determine the cause, and notify authorities if needed

3. Silence the alarm immediately

4. Wait for instructions from a supervisor

The correct answer is: Assess the situation, determine the cause, and notify authorities if needed

When an alarm goes off, the appropriate action for a guard to take is to assess the situation, determine the cause, and notify authorities if necessary. This response is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, alarms are informational signals indicating that something may be wrong, whether it's unauthorized access, a fire, or an emergency needing attention. A guard must not ignore the alarm, as this could lead to a delay in responding to a potential threat or emergency situation. By assessing the situation, the guard can gather information about what triggered the alarm. This might involve checking the area, looking for signs of forced entry, or identifying if it’s a false alarm due to maintenance work or another non-threatening situation. If the assessment reveals that there is indeed a cause for concern, then notifying the appropriate authorities ensures that a trained response team can handle whatever situation is at hand. This proactive approach is fundamental to maintaining safety and security. Silencing the alarm without understanding the cause may lead to further complications, as it would not address the underlying issue. Similarly, waiting for instructions from a supervisor, while sometimes necessary, can delay action in an urgent situation where immediate assessment and response are vital. Therefore, assessing the alarm and determining the appropriate course of action is essential for maintaining security