During a building incident, which procedure conserves power and reduces risk?

• A. Increase lighting and keep all systems on
• B. Evacuate everyone to outside without plan
• C. Implement building-wide emergency power-down or shelter-in-place procedures as directed by the incident plan
• D. Call relatives for instructions

Answer: (C)

During a building incident, the aim is to reduce exposure and hazards while keeping responders able to manage the scene. Implementing a building-wide emergency power-down or shelter-in-place procedure as directed by the incident plan accomplishes that by lowering electrical load, reducing potential ignition sources, and preventing uncontrolled movement through the building. The incident plan provides a coordinated, tested approach so occupants remain safe and responders can operate effectively without confusion or conflicting actions. Other options either waste power, introduce new risks, or rely on ad hoc actions that can delay rescue or lead to chaos—keeping everyone moving outside without a plan or simply calling relatives for instructions are not appropriate in a controlled emergency response.