Where should the students go if the fire alarm rings?

M: Are you ready for your first day here, Miss Thomson?
W: I think so. But I do have a question about the fire alarm. What should I do if it rings?
M: First, give your students some instructions. Tell them to leave the classroom and walk as a class to the parking lot behind the gym.
W: Should they bring their backpacks?
M: It is not necessary. Safety comes first.
W: OK. What should I take when I leave the classroom?
M: Be sure to take your name list. Once we get to the parking lot, we need to figure out if everyone is there.
W: Why is that necessary?
M: Well, if it were a real emergency, we would need to know if there were still any students in the building. If it were a drill, students may take advantage of it and enjoy themselves in the park behind the school or the coffee shop around the corner.
W: I see. Thanks a lot.