What action should a DSP take if they smell smoke or discover a fire?

In situations where a Direct Support Professional (DSP) encounters smoke or fire, the most crucial action is to ensure the safety of all individuals present. Helping everyone out of the home and gathering at a designated meeting place prioritizes human safety and reduces the risk of injury or worse.

When individuals are faced with a fire, their immediate need is to evacuate the premises swiftly and safely. By helping all individuals out, the DSP is adhering to emergency safety protocols, which emphasize evacuation over investigation or firefighting. Following a designated meeting place allows for an accurate headcount and ensures that everyone is accounted for, minimizing anxiety and confusion during a stressful situation.

While activating the fire alarm is vital for alerting others, the immediate concern should be to ensure the safety of those in the area. Investigating the source of the smoke may lead to further danger, and attempting to extinguish the fire alone can put the DSP and others at risk. Therefore, the action of helping individuals evacuate is the most appropriate and responsible response in the case of a fire emergency.