If a natural gas leak occurs outside a building requiring a non-fire emergency plan, what action should the building's FLS director implement to ensure the safety of the occupants?

In the event of a natural gas leak outside a building, the most suitable response to protect the occupants is to implement an in-building relocation. This approach allows the FLS director to safely move individuals away from the source of the potential danger without exposing them to the risks of outdoor conditions where the gas is leaking.

Relocating occupants within the building can be effective because it minimizes their exposure to hazardous elements in the air, particularly if the leak is significant enough to warrant concern. This strategy takes into consideration that evacuating individuals to the outside may put them in direct contact with the natural gas leak, which can be dangerous due to the risk of explosion or health-related issues from inhalation.

In contrast, evacuating to the nearest exit would not be the best immediate response, as this could lead individuals directly into the hazardous area outside. Similarly, while notifying emergency services is necessary, it should follow the immediate protective actions for the well-being of the occupants. Activating fire alarms may not be appropriate since gas leaks do not necessarily indicate a fire; it could cause panic and unnecessary evacuation to an unsafe environment. Thus, the in-building relocation is the most effective measure to ensure occupant safety during such an incident.