F-89 Emergency Action Plan (EAPD) / Fire Safety Director (FSD) Practice Exam

If a suspicious white powder is received, what is the first action the EAPD should take?

1. Contact the company’s HR department

2. Call 911 immediately

3. Evacuate the building

4. Test the substance

The correct answer is: Call 911 immediately

In the event that a suspicious white powder is received, the first action that should be taken is to call 911 immediately. This is critical because the presence of a suspicious substance could indicate a potential biological, chemical, or other hazardous threat that poses immediate risks to health and safety. Promptly involving emergency services ensures that trained professionals can assess the situation and take appropriate action, which may include containment or addressing any potential exposure. Contacting the company’s HR department, evacuating the building, or testing the substance may be actions considered later in the response process, but they should not take precedence over notifying emergency responders. Quick access to emergency services is essential in ensuring the safety of individuals present in the area and allowing for an organized response to the potential hazard.