In evacuation planning, evacuees should be moved in what manner relative to the threat?

• A. Evacuees should be moved toward the nearest exit without regard to distance from the threat
• B. Evacuate only after all inmates are counted
• C. Evacuees should be taken as far from the threat as necessary and along the quickest route
• D. Evacuation should be delayed until supervisor approval

Answer: (C)

The essential idea is to get evacuees to safety by maximizing distance from the danger while still moving along the fastest safe route. In an emergency, time matters and shortcuts that bring people closer to the threat or into blocked paths can increase risk, so the focus is on moving as far from the threat as necessary without sacrificing route safety or order. This approach accounts for the reality that the closest exit may be compromised or crowded, and that delays to confirm counts or seek approval can put people in jeopardy. Therefore the best practice is to evacuate people as far away from the threat as needed and along the quickest safe route to a secure location.