What should you do if you notice a white powder substance on the counter next to the sink in the lavatory?

If you notice a white powder substance on the counter next to the sink in the lavatory, the appropriate course of action is to notify the pilots and crew members and move passengers away from the area if needed. This response is crucial because the presence of an unidentified substance raises potential safety and security concerns.

By alerting the pilots and crew, you ensure that trained personnel can assess the situation appropriately and determine if further actions, such as contacting authorities or medical emergency teams, are necessary. Moving passengers away from the area helps maintain safety and prevents any risk of exposure to a potentially hazardous substance.

Acting promptly and following established protocols in such situations is vital to ensure the safety of everyone on board. Ignoring the substance would be irresponsible and could lead to serious consequences, while attempting to clean it up without proper guidance could expose you and others to unknown risks. Waiting for instructions from ground staff might delay crucial decisions needed to address the issue effectively. Therefore, proactive communication with the crew is the best approach to handling this situation.