What should be a guard’s first step when discovering a suspicious package?

When a security guard encounters a suspicious package, prioritizing the safety of individuals in the vicinity is paramount. Evacuating the area and notifying the authorities is the appropriate response because it minimizes risk and ensures that trained professionals can assess the situation properly.

The potential dangers associated with unknown packages, such as explosives or harmful substances, necessitate immediate precautionary measures, including isolating the area to prevent harm to individuals nearby. By notifying authorities, the situation can be handled by those equipped to deal with such threats, thereby maintaining safety and security.

Examining the package, leaving it untouched while monitoring, or attempting to move it all carry risks that could compromise safety and are not advisable in a potentially dangerous situation. The focus should always be on ensuring that the area is secure and that experts can investigate any suspicious findings without unnecessary risk to human life.