Which alarm method should coordinators use to activate audio and visual devices on specific floors during a smoke/fire condition?

The selective alarm method is the most appropriate choice for activating audio and visual devices on specific floors during a smoke or fire condition. This method allows for a targeted response, ensuring that only those areas directly affected by the emergency receive alerts. By utilizing the selective alarm method, coordinators can minimize panic and confusion, as individuals on unaffected floors are not alerted unnecessarily. This can be crucial in a complex setting like a homeless shelter, where clear communication of a situation is vital for safety and effective evacuation.

In contrast, the general alarm method activates all alarms throughout the entire building, which could lead to widespread panic and might not be appropriate when the danger is localized. The emergency and immediate alarm methods are also more general in nature and do not provide the specific targeted activation that the selective method does. Thus, using the selective alarm method enhances safety and aids in a more organized response to fire and smoke situations within a shelter setting.