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

What should an emergency action plan director do if a tenant insists on leaving the building during a shelter in place order?

1. Let them leave to ensure their safety

2. Explain that they have the right to leave

3. Force them to stay for their safety

4. Request they sign a waiver before leaving

The correct answer is: Explain that they have the right to leave

The correct response involves acknowledging the tenant's right to make their own choices in a situation where a shelter-in-place order is in effect. Explaining that they have the right to leave reinforces the principle of individual autonomy and respects their decision-making capabilities. This approach fosters an open line of communication and ensures that the tenant is informed of their options while also conveying the potential risks involved with leaving during an emergency. In an emergency situation, providing information about the reasons for the shelter-in-place order, the potential hazards outside, and the importance of remaining in a safe location can help the tenant make a more informed decision. The director's role includes offering guidance and information without coercion, as attempting to force someone to stay could escalate the situation and potentially harm trust between the tenants and the safety personnel. Other options, such as forcing the tenant to stay or requesting they sign a waiver, may not only violate ethical standards but could also leave the director and the organization open to liability issues. Letting them leave without any conditions or explanations would disregard the responsibility to ensure that occupants are adequately informed about safety protocols during emergencies.