What should you do if the alarm you are responding to appears to be a false alarm?

Investigating further when responding to an alarm that appears to be a false alarm is essential because it allows you to confirm the situation and ensure safety. Alarms can sometimes be triggered by accidental activations or malfunctioning equipment, but there is also the possibility that they may indicate an actual emergency.

By taking the initiative to investigate, you are fulfilling your responsibilities as a security guard to ensure the safety and security of the premises. This involves checking the area for signs of unauthorized entry or other suspicious activity. If an actual threat is present, a quick assessment can allow you to take appropriate action, such as notifying law enforcement or securing the area.

Informing your supervisor could be part of the procedure after your investigation, but the immediate step is to assess the situation yourself. Leaving the area without investigation fails to uphold your duty to ensure safety and could lead to potential risks being overlooked. Settling in for the night implies disregarding the alarm altogether, which is not acceptable in the context of security responsibilities.