When it comes to fire safety, the acronym PASS isn’t just helpful—it can save lives. PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep—the four basic steps to operate a fire extinguisher effectively. It’s simple, memorable, and widely taught in fire safety training across the globe.
But what if you’re writing or teaching about fire safety and want to refresh the language or introduce alternative ways to communicate similar concepts? Whether you’re drafting safety manuals, conducting training sessions, or simplifying instructions for children or multilingual audiences, having alternatives to the PASS acronym can help you stay clear, accessible, and engaging.
In this post, we’ll break down the original PASS acronym, then introduce 30 creative, practical, and scenario-based alternatives—each with a brief description, example usage, and guidance on when it works best.
🔥 What Does PASS Stand For?
- P = Pull the pin – Unlock the extinguisher.
- A = Aim the nozzle – Point it at the base of the fire.
- S = Squeeze the handle – Release the extinguishing agent.
- S = Sweep side to side – Cover the fire evenly until it’s out.
This acronym helps people remember what to do quickly in high-stress emergencies.
🚨 30 Alternatives to the PASS Acronym
Each version below adapts the core idea of “Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep,” while using different words, imagery, or scenarios. These are not official replacements but educational tools to teach and reinforce fire extinguisher use creatively.
1. PAST – Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Target
Example: “Think of your training: PAST helps you fight fire safely.”
When to use: Great for classrooms; emphasizes hitting the target.
2. STOP – See, Target, Operate, Patrol
Example: “STOP, then act: See the fire, Target it, Operate the extinguisher, Patrol for flare-ups.”
When to use: Builds off a familiar “stop, drop, roll” rhythm.
3. FAST – Focus, Aim, Squeeze, Turn
Example: “Use FAST thinking to stop small fires quickly.”
When to use: Best for youth programs and fast recall.
4. FIRE – Find, Initiate, Release, Eliminate
Example: “The FIRE steps help contain flames early.”
When to use: Simple language for non-English speakers.
5. SAFE – Secure, Aim, Fire, Eliminate
Example: “Stay SAFE during fire emergencies.”
When to use: Workplace safety guides.
6. CALM – Check, Aim, Launch, Move
Example: “Stay CALM and handle the extinguisher with care.”
When to use: Emphasizes emotional control in crises.
7. SPOT – Safety, Pull, Operate, Target
Example: “SPOT the fire and take control fast.”
When to use: Catchy for signage and posters.
8. BURN – Break, Use, React, Neutralize
Example: “BURN is how we cool things down.”
When to use: High-impact messaging in drills.
9. HELP – Hold, Engage, Look, Put out
Example: “Use HELP to remember your fire steps.”
When to use: Good for family or childcare safety talks.
10. COPE – Clear, Operate, Point, Eliminate
Example: “COPE with emergencies using this easy method.”
When to use: Emergency readiness campaigns.
11. PLAN – Pull, Level, Activate, Neutralize
Example: “With PLAN, you’re always ready.”
When to use: Corporate training materials.
12. GRAB – Get, Ready, Aim, Blast
Example: “GRAB the extinguisher and take action.”
When to use: Informal tone for youth or visual learners.
13. TAME – Trigger, Aim, Manage, End
Example: “TAME the flames step by step.”
When to use: Mnemonic for training videos or safety posters.
14. CLAW – Click (pull), Line up, Activate, Wipe out
Example: “Think of using a CLAW to wipe out danger.”
When to use: Engages imagination; good for kids.
15. PLAY – Pin, Line up, Activate, Yank
Example: “PLAY may sound fun, but it’s serious safety!”
When to use: Gamified safety training.
16. WARM – Watch, Aim, Release, Move
Example: “Stay WARM when dealing with fire.”
When to use: Ironically positive tone to ease fear.
17. PEAK – Pin, Engage, Aim, Knock out
Example: “Reach your safety PEAK under pressure.”
When to use: High-impact environments like factories.
18. PASS IT – Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep, Inspect, Turn off
Example: “PASS IT, then check and shut down.”
When to use: Extended version for post-use actions.
19. FIRM – Find, Initiate, Release, Move
Example: “Stay FIRM when flames appear.”
When to use: Reinforces confident decision-making.
20. HIT – Hold, Initiate, Target
Example: “HIT hard, HIT fast!”
When to use: Urban, military, or security contexts.
21. ACT – Aim, Control, Terminate
Example: “ACT fast to end the danger.”
When to use: Very short and high-speed environments.
22. BOOM – Break seal, Operate, Oversee, Manage
Example: “BOOM sounds explosive, but it’s how we stop one.”
When to use: Memorable for dramatic learning sessions.
23. SEAL – Secure, Engage, Aim, Level it out
Example: “SEAL the fire’s fate.”
When to use: Emphasizes calm control.
24. PACK – Pull, Aim, Control, Kill fire
Example: “PACK away panic with this step set.”
When to use: Straightforward, tactical training.
25. KICK – Knock pin, Initiate aim, Control, Kill fire
Example: “Time to KICK the fire down!”
When to use: Firefighting camps, drills.
26. LOCK – Locate, Operate, Control, Knockdown
Example: “LOCK in your training steps.”
When to use: Great for emergency services personnel.
27. SURE – Start, Use, Release, End fire
Example: “Be SURE and secure.”
When to use: Reassuring tone for public campaigns.
28. ZOOM – Zip, Operate, Orient, Manage
Example: “ZOOM through fire control.”
When to use: Interactive digital learning or animations.
29. DASH – Disengage pin, Aim, Squeeze, Handle
Example: “DASH in, dash out safely.”
When to use: First responder settings.
30. LIFT – Locate, Initiate, Fire, Terminate
Example: “LIFT the extinguisher, and end the threat.”
When to use: Motivational tone, workplace-ready.
🧠 Choosing the Right Acronym: Tone & Audience Matters
When selecting an alternative to PASS, consider:
- Audience age: Use fun, visual acronyms like CLAW or PLAY for kids.
- Professional setting: Stick with clear, formal terms like SAFE, PLAN, or COPE.
- Emergency intensity: In high-risk areas, use fast, action-oriented sets like ACT, HIT, or DASH.
- Retention & recall: Choose rhyming, alliteration, or emotionally charged acronyms like FIRE, BOOM, or CALM to stick in memory.
🧯 Final Thoughts
The original PASS acronym is a tried-and-true tool in fire safety, but there’s room to innovate—especially when teaching, training, or adapting instructions for varied audiences. Whether you’re creating content for kids, workers, multilingual learners, or high-risk professionals, using the right acronym can make safety stick.
Remember: clarity, tone, and memorability are your best allies. Teach it well. Repeat it often. One small acronym could make a life-saving difference.