What action must not be overlooked when a fire alarm is activated?

When a fire alarm is activated, pulling the fire alarm is crucial and must be addressed promptly. This action is a direct method to alert everyone in the vicinity about a potential fire threat, ensuring that all personnel are aware and can take necessary precautions to evacuate or respond accordingly.

While alerting nearby personnel, searching for the source of the fire, and calling emergency services are important actions, they are contingent on the alarm being activated and effectively notifying everyone about the danger. Without pulling the fire alarm or initiating the alarm system, colleagues may remain unaware of the situation, putting everyone at risk. The primary purpose of the alarm system is to ensure that an immediate alert is sent throughout the facility, making it the first and essential step to ensure safety during a fire incident.