Which procedure is the first step in the emergency evacuation process?

The first step in the emergency evacuation process is to assess exit availability. This is crucial because understanding which exits are accessible and safe to use directly influences the effectiveness and safety of the evacuation. In a real emergency, conditions can change rapidly, and some exits may become blocked or unsafe due to smoke, fire, or other hazards. By assessing the available exits first, crew members can make informed decisions about the best routes to direct passengers towards safety.

Initiating a passenger headcount, sounding the evacuation alarm, and preparing the emergency slides are all important components of the evacuation process, but they come after the assessment of exit availability. Assessing exits ensures that when the alarm is sounded and passengers begin to evacuate, they are directed towards safe exits, which is vital for ensuring the orderly and efficient evacuation of everyone on board.