When faced with an Active Shooter, what action should NOT be taken regarding fire alarms?

When confronted with an active shooter situation, it is crucial to prioritize personal safety and the safety of others. Activating the manual fire alarm system could inadvertently lead to a loss of critical time. While fire alarms are designed to alert occupants to evacuate, in the context of an active shooter, this could create panic and lead people into hallways or exits where they might be exposed to the shooter.

In such high-stress scenarios, the main goal is to minimize exposure to danger. Informing others about the shooter allows individuals to make informed decisions about their safety without causing confusion associated with an emergency evacuation that does not relate to a fire. Calling 911 directly is vital for bringing in appropriate law enforcement to handle the situation. Leaving the building immediately may seem like a safety measure, but if the shooter is located near exits, this could increase risk.

Therefore, activating the fire alarm system is the action that could be misleading and potentially harmful in this specific type of emergency.