Fire incidents can occur anywhere. During fire cases, people tend to get triggered and don’t know what to do in that situation.
To educate kids and adults on essential steps to take when a fire incident occurs, experts made an excellent word that explains what to do in a critical state as a reminder. And the word is RACE.
So, what does RACE stand for in fire safety?
It indicates Rescue or Remove the people & yourself, Alarm or Alert everyone, Confine the fire, and Extinguish or Evacuate to reach a safe place.
To know more about this, continue to read and find all the information related to this topic and save yourself!
Let’s Find out Exactly What RACE Stands for in Fire Safety!
As it’s a matter of protection, we all should know what RACE stands for in a fire emergency to reduce stress and take proper steps. Well, in fire safety the acronym R.A.C.E. stands for –
- R = Rescue or Remove
- A = Alarm or Alert
- C = Confine or Contain
- E = Extinguish or Evacuate
So, this is what RACE in a fire stands for!
What Does RACE Mean?
After learning what RACE stands for in safety, it’s time to understand its meaning. Each of the letters indicates different terms which hold deep meaning. Let me explain it below:
1. R (Rescue or Remove)
This is the first step that everyone should take in a fire incident. It means to save all the people from the fire zone and remove them as soon as possible. Here’s how you can do it:
- Report all people about the fire via message or just use your voice in the area.
- Call the emergency number in your area and tell them about the fire incident. Be sure to mention the location exactly so they can arrive.
2. A (Alarm or Alert)
The word alarm or alert means to hit the alarm devices or scream to notify everyone in the building or area that fires broke out. To do that, follow the given tips:
- Reach the place which contains the fire alarm and break the glass. And then, pull the bar so the fire alarm starts.
- Most of the time, the fire alarms are near the exit area.
3. C (Confine or Contain)
This indicates removing all the materials or things (like paper towels, soft clothes, books, and so on) that can cause fire to spread all over as fast as possible. Follow the given suggestions to do it yourself:
- Each time you pass a room, close the door so that the fire doesn’t spread.
- Be sure to remove all the stuff that can spread the fire.
4. E (Extinguish or Evacuate)
It means using a proper tool to put out fires or blazes (only for professional users). This also indicates finding the exit and getting out of the risky spot. Here are a few things that you should do:
- Get out of the building with others as soon as possible.
- Always use the stairs and avoid the lifts or elevators, as these can get stuck.
- After reaching outside, all the folks should gather at the assembly point.
- Never go back to the building that catches fire unless the firefighters suggest it.
- Use the extinguisher via the PASS method. If this seems hard, just run to the exit.
How Do I Implement RACE in a Fire Emergency Situation?
If you find fire or suspect blaze nearby, learn how to implement RACE in fire safety and maintain safety to stay alive:
Step 1: Rescue Yourself and Others
To begin with, help others to make it out of the fire zone and you’ll also need to go out. If possible, use a blanket or curtain on the body (if available) to avoid a blaze attack.
For that, ensure to go straight toward the stairs that reach directly to escape or exit. In most buildings, the escape route should be somewhere on the wall, so look at it if you can. Also, you’ll find different signs in red or green color to help you reach the exit area ASAP.
Step 2: Hit the Alarm
Next, locate the fire alarm or get to the place where it has one. To use the fire alarm, be sure to follow the 3 A’s method:
- Activate– Break the glass and hit the button to alert everyone about Code Red fire safety. Or call 911 to inform everyone about emergency services.
- Assist– Help those who are in danger or incapable of protecting themselves.
- Attempt– Try to fight the fire at your own risk (if the fire is small).
If the building or spot doesn’t contain an alarm device, use your voice and shout ‘Fire, Fire, Fire’ in the highest pitch possible. After that, call the emergency number ASAP.
Step 3: Confine the Fire
Then, take out all the stuff that can spread the fire like paper bins and so on. Also, close the doors and windows behind you.
Step 4: Use Extinguisher and Evacuate
Lastly, use the fire extinguisher if you know the application. To do so, just Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the fire, Squeeze the lever slowly, and then Sweep from side to side (aka PASS).
If you don’t know, then simply find the exit spot with the safety signs and get out of the location with others.
Note: If your body catches fire, immediately follow the SDCR method, which means Stop, Drop, Cover, and Roll.
Importance of Practicing RACE Awareness for Fire Safety!
By doing the RACE safety step, it helps a person to take serious action at the right time. Also, this lets anyone understand the precaution and save lives while in dangerous fire situations.
Apart from this, it gives a good idea and training for folks to easily make use of alarm devices. Plus, this awareness helps ordinary people to respond to a fire incident calmly and make the right decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the proper steps for using a fire extinguisher?
To use a fire extinguisher, you’ll need to pull the pin off it and then aim it directly at the fire from 8 – 10 feet away. Then, squeeze the handle and sweep it back and forth.
2. What is RACE pedagogy In fire safety?
Through FSE (Fire Safety Education) and other programs, teachers give kids practical and theoretical explanations of the basic 4 things to do when a fire catches on. Which is known as RACE pedagogy.
3. What do the acronyms PASS mean?
PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. It helps the user to employ an extinguisher. Then again, the RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, and Extinguish which I’ve explained above.
Overall Thoughts
That’s what does RACE stand for in fire safety! By trying the RACE and PASS method, and anyone can respond well if a fire incident occurs and take the correct required actions.
Just be sure to save people if you can, alert everyone through a device, confine by removing flammable stuff, and use the extinguisher. Stay Safe!
