FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

If a fire alarm sounds before the fire drill procedures are explained, what should the teacher do?

1. Immediately start evacuating the building without instructions

2. Have students line up quietly and exit the building

3. Pause to discuss the alarm with students

4. Call for assistance while staying in the classroom

The correct answer is: Have students line up quietly and exit the building

The appropriate action when a fire alarm sounds is to have students line up quietly and exit the building. This response emphasizes the importance of maintaining order and safety during an emergency situation. By ensuring that students are calm and organized, the teacher can facilitate an efficient evacuation process. It is essential in such situations for students to avoid panic or disorder, which can lead to confusion and chaos. Organizing them into a line helps to keep the group together and ensures that everyone is accounted for as they exit. Timing is also crucial; evacuating promptly minimizes the risks associated with fire and allows for a quicker response from emergency services. Other responses may not prioritize student safety or the necessity of prompt evacuation. For instance, immediately evacuating without instructions could lead to chaos, while pausing to discuss the alarm may waste precious time in an emergency. Calling for assistance while remaining in the classroom could endanger both the teacher and the students by delaying their evacuation. The focus should always be on ensuring safety and following established procedures, which is effectively accomplished by having students line up quietly and exit the building.