I fly the E195.
As these are "self-help" exits and if the check in staff have neglected to seat anybody in the emergency exit row (more often than not) we are required to move somebody able bodied in to it. The cabin crew are then required to brief these people on the operation of the exit. We require at least one person on each side of the emergency exit row but in an emergency the cabin crew will move other ABP's so the row is full.
The window blinds MUST be up for takeoff and landing.