Fire Safety 101: Using the RACE and PASS Methods
Let’s break down RACE and PASS, step by step, so you can stay calm and act quickly in an emergency.
RACE: The Four Essential Steps for Fire Response
RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Contain, and Evacuate/Extinguish—the key actions to take when a fire starts. Following this sequence ensures that people are safe, emergency responders are alerted, and the fire is controlled as much as possible before it spreads.
R - Rescue
If there is anyone in immediate danger, help them escape if it is safe to do so. Prioritize children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities who may need assistance.
✓ DO: Stay low to avoid smoke inhalation while helping others evacuate.
✗ DON’T: Put yourself in unnecessary danger if flames or smoke block your way.
A - Alarm
Activate the nearest fire alarm and call 911 (or your local fire department) immediately. The faster emergency responders arrive, the better the chances of containing the fire.
✓ DO: Know the location of fire alarms in your workplace or building.
✗ DON’T: Assume someone else will call for help—act fast!
C - Contain
Close doors and windows to slow the spread of fire and smoke. This step is especially important in hospitals, office buildings, and schools, where fire can quickly move from room to room.
✓ DO: Close doors behind you as you evacuate to limit oxygen flow to the fire.
✗ DON’T: Lock doors, as this could prevent firefighters from entering.
E - Evacuate/Extinguish (If Safe to Do So)
If the fire is small and manageable, use a fire extinguisher to put it out. However, if the fire is too large, smoky, or spreading quickly, leave immediately and let professionals handle it.
✓ DO: Only attempt to extinguish fires that are small and contained.
✗ DON’T: Waste time if the fire is growing—get out and stay out.
PASS: The Four-Step Method for Using a Fire Extinguisher
PASS stands for Pull the Pin, Aim at the Base of the Fire, Squeeze the Handle, and Sweep from Side to Side—the key actions to take when trying to extinguish a fire. If you decide that it’s safe to fight the fire, use the PASS method to operate a fire extinguisher effectively.
P - Pull the Pin
The pin prevents accidental discharge. Pull it out to release the locking mechanism.
✓ DO: Aim the extinguisher away from yourself while pulling the pin.
✗ DON’T: Squeeze the handle while pulling the pin out, this will cause an accidental discharge.
A - Aim at the Base of the Fire
Fires grow upwards, so aiming at the base of the flames helps stop the source of combustion.
✓ DO: Stand the recommended distance from the fire for safe extinguisher use.
✗ DON’T: Aim at the top of the flames—this won’t stop the fire from spreading.
S - Squeeze the Handle
Firmly squeeze the handle to release the fire suppressant agent.
✓ DO: Maintain a controlled grip for even spraying.
✗ DON’T: Use short bursts—keep spraying until the fire is completely out.
S - Sweep from Side to Side
Move the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire until it is extinguished.
✓ DO: Keep spraying even if flames appear to die down.
✗ DON’T: Walk away too soon—fires can reignite if they aren’t fully out.
Final Fire Safety Tips
By remembering RACE and PASS, you’ll be better prepared to handle a fire safely. Fire safety isn’t just about reacting—it’s about being proactive and ready before an emergency happens.
✓ Know Your Exits: Identify the nearest exits in your workplace, home, or public buildings.
✓ Check Your Fire Extinguishers: Inspect extinguishers regularly to ensure they are charged and accessible.
✓ Practice Fire Drills: Fire drills help you and your family or coworkers respond quickly in an emergency.
✓ Never Use Water on Grease or Electrical Fires: Water can spread oil fires and conduct electricity, making these fires worse.
✓ If in Doubt, Get Out: If the fire is growing or producing heavy smoke, evacuate immediately and call for help.