Safety Information & Resources

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Use the following acronyms to help you recall the Fire Escape and Fire Extinquisher safety guidelines. Used properly, these safety tips will help you properly handle an emergency situation.
 

R.A.C.E.

In the event of a fire in the building, please follow R.A.C.E

R: Rescue anyone in immediate danger
A: Alarm: Pull the nearest fire alarm pull station and call Jefferson Security at 811
    or call 911 in areas not serviced by Jefferson Security
C: Confine the fire by closing doors
E: Evacuate the building by using the closest stair tower

Fire Extinguishers

There are multi-purpose (ABC) fire extinguishers located throughout Martin, Barringer, and Orlowitz Buildings. They can extinguish class A fires (trash, wood, paper), Class B fires (flammable liquids/gasses), or Class C fires (Electrical Equipment). Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers are found in the common kitchen in the Martin Building. These extinguishers can only extinguish class A and Class B fires.

How to use a Fire Extinguisher

Remember P A S S

P - PULL the pin between the extinguishers handles
A – AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire. You should stand 6-10 feet away from the fire
S - Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher
S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side across the base of the fire

Before Fighting a Fire be Sure:

  • You have followed R.A.C.E (Delete 911 has been called)
  • You have been trained to operate the extinguisher.
  • Delete 3rd bullet point about not designated
  • You have an unobstructed escape route in case you can’t put the fire out.
  • You know what’s burning and your extinguisher is right for the fire.
  • The fire is small