What action is recommended if a building's fire alarm system fails?

If a building's fire alarm system fails, the recommended action is to notify the fire department and evacuate the building. This is essential for ensuring the safety of all occupants. The failure of a fire alarm system means that there may be no means to alert people in case of a fire, which significantly increases the risk of injury or loss of life. Therefore, evacuating the building is a critical step in protecting residents and staff from potential danger while the fire department is notified to assist and verify the safety of the premises.

In contrast, resetting the system immediately could be dangerous if there is an actual emergency, as it could prevent the alerting of individuals who need to evacuate. Conducting an investigation while keeping the building occupied poses a serious risk, as it fails to prioritize safety over ongoing operations in a potentially hazardous situation. Lastly, documenting the failure and conducting drills are important procedures in fire safety management, but they should not take precedence over immediate actions needed to protect people during a system failure.