During fire drills, what should the FLS Director avoid instructing building occupants to do?

The correct response is grounded in the principle that during fire drills, occupants should rely on established safety protocols rather than personal instincts. The role of the Fire and Life Safety (FLS) Director is to provide clear instructions that prioritize safety and ensure orderly evacuation. Instructing occupants to follow their own instincts can lead to confusion and potentially dangerous situations, as individuals may not be aware of the safest exit routes or protocols.

The emphasis on adhering to the FLS Director's instructions reinforces the importance of a coordinated evacuation, where everyone knows what to do and where to go. This reduces the likelihood of panic and ensures that emergency services can respond effectively if needed.

In contrast, options that involve using elevators, gathering in the parking lot, or staying in rooms until instructed to leave are often misaligned with best safety practices during a fire drill. Elevators can pose significant risks during a fire situation, while gathering in specific areas and staying in rooms may be appropriate under certain circumstances, but not at the command of individual instinct. Hence, the focus on following designated protocols is crucial for maintaining safety during emergencies.