During an Evacuation Order, which action regarding equipment is required?

• A. Leave equipment in place and evacuate immediately.
• B. Take equipment with you if portable.
• C. Move equipment to a designated safe area before departing.
• D. Turn off equipment and return after the area is cleared.

Answer: (A)

In an Evacuation Order, safety comes first and exit should be immediate. The best action is to leave equipment in place and evacuate right away because any attempt to move, secure, or shut down gear can slow you down and increase your risk in a rapidly changing, hazardous environment. Doors, corridors, and stairs can become blocked or compromised, and delaying your exit to handle gear raises the chance you’ll be caught in a dangerous area or require rescuers to perform additional searches. Command will manage securing or turning off equipment after the area is deemed safe, not during the urgent evacuation. Portable gear that is quick to grab and does not interfere with egress might be an exception in some protocols, but the default guidance during an evacuation order is to depart immediately and leave equipment where it is.