When it comes to fire safety, knowing how to use a fire extinguisher correctly can mean the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster. That’s why people often rely on acronyms—simple, memorable shortcuts—to recall crucial steps during high-stress moments.
The most well-known acronym for using a fire extinguisher is PASS, but there are other alternatives that offer specialized guidance depending on the environment, type of fire, or training program. This article breaks down the PASS acronym, introduces 30 alternative acronyms, and provides tips on when to use each based on tone, context, and practical situations.
Whether you’re training staff, educating students, or just brushing up on your safety knowledge, this guide will help you pick the right acronym for the right moment.
✅ What Does the Standard “PASS” Acronym Mean?
P.A.S.S. = Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
This simple 4-step method teaches people how to handle most standard extinguishers:
- Pull the pin
- Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handle
- Sweep from side to side
It’s quick, effective, and easy to remember. But let’s look at other acronyms designed for special situations, different training programs, or for emphasis on certain behaviors.
🔄 30 Acronym Alternatives for Using a Fire Extinguisher
Each of these acronyms offers a slight variation or added instruction, depending on the fire type, training environment, or audience age.
1. PASS
Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
Use When: Teaching general public; universal standard.
Example: Always remember PASS before using the extinguisher.
2. RACE
Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate
Use When: Hospital or workplace fire response protocols.
Example: In a hospital fire, follow RACE before PASS.
3. PASE
Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Evaluate
Use When: Emphasizing situational awareness after initial use.
Example: Use PASE to assess whether fire is under control.
4. PULL
Pin, Unlock, Lift, Launch
Use When: Simplifying steps for children or public demos.
Example: Kids can use PULL to remember the basics.
5. SASS
Stand, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
Use When: Training with a focus on positioning.
Example: Don’t forget to stand your ground—SASS!
6. FAST
Find, Aim, Squeeze, Track
Use When: Emphasizing quick action with mobility.
Example: Move FAST to control a spreading fire.
7. TAPS
Twist, Aim, Press, Sweep
Use When: When handling twist-to-activate extinguishers.
Example: For some extinguishers, TAPS applies better than PASS.
8. ACT
Assess, Choose, Target
Use When: As a pre-extinguisher decision guide.
Example: Before anything else, ACT smart.
9. PAWS
Pull, Aim, Wait, Sweep
Use When: Teaching deliberate action with emphasis on timing.
Example: Use PAWS and take a second to steady yourself.
10. HOLD
Handle, Observe, Level, Discharge
Use When: Focusing on control and posture.
Example: In training drills, HOLD helps maintain technique.
11. SAFE
Stand, Aim, Fire, Evacuate
Use When: High-risk areas where quick evacuation may follow.
Example: Remember SAFE if things get out of control.
12. COOL
Call, Observe, Operate, Leave
Use When: Emergency training for children or civilians.
Example: Stay COOL and follow the steps during a panic.
13. GRAB
Get, Ready, Aim, Blast
Use When: High-energy or fast-paced environments.
Example: GRAB it and go—fire doesn’t wait.
14. STEP
Stay calm, Target base, Engage, Pull away
Use When: Focused on calmness and exit strategy.
Example: Take it STEP by STEP in any fire situation.
15. FIRE
Find, Inspect, React, Extinguish
Use When: Incorporating inspection before use.
Example: FIRE reminds you to check the extinguisher first.
16. STOP
Stay back, Target, Operate, Patrol
Use When: Post-extinguishing vigilance is needed.
Example: After the flames are out, STOP to ensure safety.
17. SEAL
Squeeze, Engage, Aim, Leave
Use When: Brief, fast-action steps.
Example: SEAL the fire with precision and move on.
18. FLIP
Find, Lift, Initiate, Point
Use When: For lighter, flip-top extinguishers.
Example: Some compact models work best with FLIP.
19. WATCH
Warn, Approach, Target, Control, Hold
Use When: Fire warden or team-leader training.
Example: Train your staff to WATCH and react quickly.
20. CALM
Call, Act, Look, Manage
Use When: Mental/emotional training for kids or elders.
Example: Stay CALM before reaching for the extinguisher.
21. RUSH
React, Use, Sweep, Head out
Use When: For rapid response training in active settings.
Example: In drills, RUSH prepares you for emergency exit.
22. GRIP
Grab, Ready, Initiate, Press
Use When: Hands-on or tactile-focused learners.
Example: GRIP it firmly and stay steady.
23. SCAN
See fire, Choose extinguisher, Aim, Neutralize
Use When: Multi-extinguisher environments.
Example: Always SCAN first in kitchens or labs.
24. PICK
Pull, Identify base, Control flow, Knock fire down
Use When: Tactical fire fighting training.
Example: PICK is perfect for security teams.
25. BURN
Break seal, Use, Release, Neutralize
Use When: Intense or dramatic fire simulation training.
Example: Use BURN in high-pressure demo situations.
26. PUSH
Prepare, Use, Sweep, Halt
Use When: Structured flow with clear endpoint.
Example: PUSH for a start-to-finish guide.
27. FLEX
Focus, Lift, Engage, Exit
Use When: For mobile or elderly users.
Example: FLEX works well for assisted-living scenarios.
28. WARM
Warn, Alert, Ready, Move
Use When: Emphasizing communication and mobility.
Example: Use WARM with team-based fire plans.
29. SPIN
Safety pin, Position, Initiate, Neutralize
Use When: Emphasis on correct physical handling.
Example: SPIN reminds you to pull the pin first.
30. PEARL
Pull, Engage, Aim, Release, Look again
Use When: Post-use re-evaluation and double-checking.
Example: PEARL is best for thorough emergency responders.
🧠How to Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher Acronym
âś… Consider These Factors:
- Audience Age: Use simpler acronyms (PULL, COOL) for kids.
- Environment: Healthcare settings may prefer RACE or SAFE.
- Extinguisher Type: Some require twisting, flipping, or pin removal.
- Tone of Training: Choose GRAB or RUSH for fast drills; CALM or ACT for reflective programs.
đź’ˇ Tip:
Combine PASS with RACE or FIRE in formal safety training for a complete system.
🔚 Conclusion
PASS will always be the gold standard for using fire extinguishers. But as you’ve seen, many acronyms offer added depth for different contexts, audiences, and fire scenarios. By choosing the right one, you empower yourself or your team to respond effectively, calmly, and safely.
So whether you’re training kids, building emergency protocols, or designing safety signage, keep this list handy—and never stop practicing.
Because in fire safety, what you remember in a second could save lives. đźš’