SOPs
The last time I checked the FCOM, the SOP was an announcement "ATTENTION CREW, AT STATIONS!" by the Captain on the PA without delay in case of any possible emergency evacuation, actual, precautionary or otherwise. The purpose is supposedly to establish communication between the flight deck crew and the cabin crew as well as to calm the passengers by establishing that there is somebody in command. That is the Captains duty.
Similarly, the cabin crew's duty would be to would be to anticipate a command from the Captain. In the absence of any communication, it is her duty to call the flight deck and inquire. No response, the lead cabin crew then takes over and becomes the person in charge.
No hesitation and without delay.
That's the protocol/ chain of command. Was it followed?