Žana contacted 15min after visiting the “Maxima” store located at Parko St. 60A, Vilnius, on Sunday, when a yellow warning about a possible weather hazard was announced.
Read more In Panevėžys, a car crashed into a pole: the driver died
“We came to the store with a minor child when the warning had already been issued. We were allowed into the store and were shopping calmly. At that time, we did not receive any information from the staff that the store would be closing or that we should take any specific actions.
Only when we approached the checkouts did the staff and security inform us that we had to leave the store,” the woman said.
Žana noticed that other customers were still calmly selecting goods and putting them into baskets at that time.
“We did not see the staff going through all the store premises and informing other customers shopping at that time about the store closing,” she said.
Read more When you want a crunchy snack: these zucchini flowers will surprise even skeptics
The woman had several relevant questions in this situation: if a person is already in the store when a weather hazard warning is issued, and the store decides to close and sends customers outside, what should be the person’s next steps? What should a person do if they leave the store and remain outside the closed doors? Where should a family with a minor child go? What should an elderly or other vulnerable person do in such a case? Should the person look for the nearest shelter or safe place themselves? Who should inform where the nearest shelter is? Should the store that decided to close provide customers with information about further actions and a safe place?
“I understand that the store may make decisions to cease operations to ensure the safety of employees and customers. However, I believe it would be very helpful for the public to clearly know how both the stores and the people already inside should act in such cases,” the woman said.
A “Maxima” representative assured that customers should not have been urged to leave the store without being given the option to stay inside.
