If a heat detector is activated, what is likely the next step?

When a heat detector is activated, the most appropriate next step is immediate evacuation. This action is vital for safety as it assumes that a fire or a significant heat source may be present. Evacuating ensures that all occupants leave the area promptly, reducing the risk of injury or loss of life due to smoke inhalation or flames.

While checking for false alarms might seem logical, it introduces unnecessary delay during a potential emergency. In cases of heat detector activation, the priority is to ensure everyone's safety before investigating the cause of the alarm.

Replacing the detector is not an immediate concern when an alarm has been triggered. The focus should be on ensuring that everyone is safe and accounted for first before addressing equipment functionality.

Turning off the power to the detector could also prolong exposure to danger. In emergencies, it is essential to let the appropriate responses—like emergency services—take over instead of attempting to manage the situation manually by disabling the alarm system.

Thus, the immediate evacuation is the best course of action to ensure safety in the event of a heat detector activation.