What should occupants be instructed to avoid using during a fire emergency?

During a fire emergency, occupants should be instructed to avoid using elevators because they can become dangerous in such situations. Elevators may malfunction or fail due to fire or electrical issues, trapping occupants inside or bringing them to a floor where fire or smoke is present. Additionally, the elevator may stop at a floor that could be hazardous.

In contrast, emergency exits and fire alarms are crucial for safe evacuation. Emergency exits provide designated pathways to escape the building safely, while fire alarms are necessary for alerting others about the emergency. Avoiding restrooms is not typically emphasized in fire safety protocols, as they do not pose the same risks that elevators do during an evacuation. Therefore, instructing occupants to refrain from using elevators helps ensure their safety in a fire emergency.