If you discover a fire, what action should you avoid?

When a fire is discovered, ensuring a safe and unobstructed evacuation is crucial. Locking all exit doors directly contradicts this principle. Accessible exits are essential for life safety, as they allow occupants to leave the building quickly and safely during an emergency. By locking the doors, you would severely hinder escape routes, placing individuals in danger and potentially violating fire safety regulations.

The other actions, such as activating the fire alarm system, directing people to exits, and using fire extinguishers if appropriate, all assist in managing the situation effectively and promoting safety. Activation of the alarm alerts others in the facility to the danger, while directing individuals to exits helps ensure an orderly evacuation. Additionally, utilizing extinguishers may be appropriate if the fire is small and manageable, but only if it is safe to do so. Thus, avoiding the locking of exit doors is critically important in the event of a fire.