What should you do if a cadet reports heavy smoke coming up the stairwell while you are teaching in an upstairs classroom?

Evacuating the classroom immediately is the most appropriate response when a cadet reports heavy smoke coming from the stairwell. Smoke can indicate a serious fire hazard that poses a significant risk to safety. Evacuating not only ensures the safety of the cadets and yourself, but it also prevents potential injury or worse in the event that the smoke is a result of a fire spreading.

While other choices may seem viable, they present significant risks. Investigating the source of the smoke could expose individuals to dangerous conditions, especially if there is an active fire. Continuing the lesson while knowing about the smoke creates a perilous situation, as the health and safety of everyone present should always take precedence over educational activities. Calling for the fire department is certainly important, but before doing so, immediate evacuation is necessary to ensure everyone's safety, especially since conditions may worsen quickly. Thus, prioritizing evacuation is the best course of action in this scenario.