Which action is explicitly discouraged during evacuation?

Which action is explicitly discouraged during evacuation?

• A. Move people in an orderly fashion to a safe area
• B. Close or open windows and doors along evacuation routes if directed and time permits
• C. Use elevators for evacuation
• D. Conduct an inmate count when reaching the evacuation area

Answer: (C)

In evacuation, the safest approach is to use stairs and controlled egress, not elevators. Elevators can fail or trap people if power is lost, if doors close due to heat or smoke, or if the car stops between floors, which creates a dangerous situation in an emergency. That’s why using elevators for evacuation is discouraged unless the incident commander explicitly authorizes it and the facility has specific procedures in place. The other actions fit standard evacuation practice: moving people in an orderly fashion to a safe area helps prevent chaos and keeps everyone accounted for; adjusting windows and doors along evacuation routes, when directed and time permits, can aid smoke control and safer passage; and conducting an inmate count when reaching the evacuation area ensures accountability and helps identify anyone missing.

In evacuation, the safest approach is to use stairs and controlled egress, not elevators. Elevators can fail or trap people if power is lost, if doors close due to heat or smoke, or if the car stops between floors, which creates a dangerous situation in an emergency. That’s why using elevators for evacuation is discouraged unless the incident commander explicitly authorizes it and the facility has specific procedures in place.

The other actions fit standard evacuation practice: moving people in an orderly fashion to a safe area helps prevent chaos and keeps everyone accounted for; adjusting windows and doors along evacuation routes, when directed and time permits, can aid smoke control and safer passage; and conducting an inmate count when reaching the evacuation area ensures accountability and helps identify anyone missing.