What is the first action in preparing for an evacuation?

The first action in preparing for an evacuation is to ensure the evacuation routes and assembly points are safe. This step is crucial because, during an emergency, the primary focus is on protecting lives and ensuring that individuals can exit the premises safely and efficiently. Establishing safe routes and assembly points minimizes the risk of injury and chaos, allowing for a structured and orderly evacuation process.

By assessing the safety of these routes and locations, security personnel can identify any potential hazards that could impede the evacuation, such as blocked pathways or unsafe conditions caused by the emergency situation. This proactive measure ensures that everyone knows where they need to go and can evacuate quickly and safely, which is critical in managing an emergency effectively.

While the other options may involve important considerations during an evacuation, the initial focus must be on securing the safety of the routes and gathering points to facilitate a successful evacuation.