Whether it’s a fire or a suspicious item, if there’s ever an emergency, there are protocols that must be followed. For most people, this means evacuating the premises, but for a security guard, there’s a lot more responsibility. Here’s a quick guide to how security guards are supposed to respond during an emergency.

How Should Security Guards Respond During an Emergency?

Response

In general, if an alarm goes off, the primary duties of a security guard are to investigate the source, confirm the threat, and notify the authorities if necessary. Additional actions will depend on the type of emergency. For example, in the case of a fire, after they’ve called the fire department, a security professional will also need to turn on additional alarms, help evacuate people, and then cordon off the area until the fire is extinguished.

Requirements

Becoming a security guard requires quite a bit of training. Different states have different requirements, but generally, a person must complete a formal security training program and obtain a license before they can work as a guard. Employers can also set additional requirements such as first aid and firearm training.

Employer Discretion

Employers can restrict a security guard’s responsibilities during an emergency. They may prefer to keep them at a bare minimum. For example, a guard may only be required to check on the possible causes of an emergency and then call the authorities. Some employers allow security professionals to respond directly to intruders, while others may only want guards to give verbal warnings and then inform the police. 

If you need responsible and professional security guards for your company, call PD Services, located in Oahu, HI. Based in Aiea and founded by two retired sergeants from the Honolulu Police Department, they’ve offered expert 24/7 security services for over a decade. Whether you’re organizing a special event or need security for your business, they can help. They also offer training courses that teach the fundamentals of being a security guard. Visit their website to learn more about their services and classes, or call (808) 306-7368 to speak with a member of their team.