What should occupants do when they hear a smoke detector alarm?

When occupants hear a smoke detector alarm, the appropriate action is to evacuate the building immediately. This response is crucial for safety, as the alarm indicates a potential fire or smoke presence that could pose serious danger. Prioritizing personal safety and that of others is essential, and evacuating ensures that individuals are not exposed to harmful conditions, like smoke inhalation or possible flames.

While investigating the source of the alarm might seem reasonable, it places individuals at risk, especially if they encounter a fire or dangerous smoke. Turning off the power to the unit is not a practical or safe action in moments of potential emergency; it does not address the immediate need to ensure one's safety. Pressing the reset button is typically done after an alarm has been confirmed as a false alarm, but in the face of an active alarm, the focus should be on evacuating the premises. Thus, evacuating the building is the most prudent and effective response to ensure safety during a smoke detector alarm.