What is the first priority when clearing a building?

• A. Open doors
• B. People
• C. Dead spaces
• D. Perimeter security

Answer: (B)

Prioritize life safety. When clearing a building, the first thing officers do is locate and ensure the safety of people inside—rescuing occupants or keeping them out of danger takes precedence over other actions. Once occupants are accounted for or safe, you can focus on other tasks like securing the perimeter, opening doors to access spaces, or methodically checking dead spaces to ensure no one is left inside. Perimeter security is essential for scene control, but it does not precede the immediate need to protect and rescue people. Clearing dead spaces is part of the search to prevent missing anyone, and it supports the life-safety objective rather than taking precedence over it.