What is the correct action of an emergency action plan director when activating the shelter in place provision due to an external hazard?

The action of shutting down any outside air intake systems and activating elevator recall when activating the shelter in place provision due to an external hazard is crucial for ensuring the safety of occupants. This approach helps to minimize the risk of external contaminants or hazards entering the building, which is essential during situations such as hazardous material releases or severe weather events.

By shutting down outside air intakes, the emergency action plan director effectively isolates the interior environment from potentially dangerous external conditions. This action is aimed at protecting the health of the occupants by preventing exposure to harmful substances or pollutants.

Activating elevator recall is equally important because it ensures that elevators are not used during emergencies, which could lead to entrapment or unsafe conditions. Under typical circumstances, elevators can be dangerous if they stop between floors during a crisis.

In contrast, notifying occupants to evacuate immediately is not suitable in the context of a shelter in place directive, as this may expose them to the external hazard. Leaving the building immediately overlooks the importance of sheltering in place during certain conditions. Contacting local authorities can be an important step but is more about reporting than immediate safety measures. Therefore, the focus during a shelter in place scenario should primarily be on maintaining safety inside the building rather than evacuation or outside communication.