Before putting the apparatus in motion, the driver/operator should ensure that any hose carried on the apparatus:

The correct choice highlights the essential requirement that any hose carried on the apparatus must be secure to prevent it from coming loose during travel. Ensuring that the hose is properly secured is crucial for several reasons. Loose hoses can become a safety hazard, potentially obstructing the driver's view or causing injury to either personnel or bystanders. Moreover, if hoses are not secured, they can also cause damage to the apparatus itself or to other equipment.

A hose that is not secured could shift during transit, leading to potential complications when responding to an emergency call. Thus, it is vital for operators to conduct a thorough check to confirm that the hose is secure before starting the apparatus, ensuring a safe and effective response capability when needed.

The other choices present options that either may not align with best practices or impose unnecessary requirements. For instance, requiring hoses to be tied down in a specific number of places, like two or five, may not be practical or necessary, depending on the size and type of the hose and storage capacity of the apparatus. Also, focusing on a percentage of storage space for hose storage takes away from the primary concern of safety and stability during travel. Ensuring the hose is firmly secured without specified restraints is the more practical and essential approach.