When it comes to fire safety, every second counts — and knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher could save lives. One of the most well-known tools in basic fire safety is the PASS acronym, a simple four-step guide that tells you how to operate a fire extinguisher effectively.
In this article, we’ll explain what PASS stands for, why it’s so important, and then introduce you to 30 related acronyms or phrases in the fire safety world — covering usage, tone, and when they are most appropriate.
Whether you’re training new staff, creating safety signage, or just brushing up on workplace safety, this guide is practical, accessible, and essential.
🔥 What Does PASS Stand For?
PASS is a fire safety acronym used to remember the four basic steps to use a fire extinguisher:
- P – Pull the pin
- A – Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
- S – Squeeze the handle
- S – Sweep side to side
📌 Example: “In an emergency, just remember PASS to use the fire extinguisher.”
🧠 Why PASS Matters:
- Simple to memorize
- Used worldwide
- Crucial in emergencies when panic may set in
🔁 30 Related Acronyms and Phrases in Fire Safety — What They Mean and When to Use Them
These terms help enhance fire awareness, prevention, and response — perfect for safety training, signage, or general awareness campaigns.
1. RACE – Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate
Used in fire response in healthcare and workplaces.
🗣 “In case of fire, remember RACE.”
✅ Use: Hospital or institutional fire procedures.
2. PASS-R – PASS + Retreat
Adds retreat for personal safety.
🗣 “PASS-R — get out once you’ve tried extinguishing.”
✅ Use: High-risk areas like labs.
3. EDITH – Exit Drills In The Home
Used for family fire drill planning.
🗣 “Practice EDITH monthly.”
✅ Use: Family safety education.
4. PULL – Focuses on the first step in PASS.
🗣 “Pull the pin and aim low.”
✅ Use: Visual instructions on fire extinguishers.
5. AIM – Aim low at the base.
🗣 “Don’t spray at flames — aim low!”
✅ Use: Training scenarios.
6. SQUEEZE – Apply pressure on handle.
🗣 “Squeeze steadily — not too hard or too soft.”
✅ Use: Hands-on training.
7. SWEEP – Sweep the nozzle side to side.
🗣 “Keep sweeping till the fire dies.”
✅ Use: Repeated in step-by-step posters.
8. FIRE – Find, Inform, Rescue, Extinguish
Used in UK-based institutions.
🗣 “Use the FIRE method in emergencies.”
✅ Use: Schools, public facilities.
9. STOP, DROP, ROLL – For clothing fires.
🗣 “Teach kids to stop, drop, and roll.”
✅ Use: Fire awareness for children.
10. ACT – Assess, Communicate, Take action
Used in emergency protocols.
🗣 “Stay calm, ACT quickly.”
✅ Use: Emergency planning.
11. PEEP – Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan
Custom evacuation plan for individuals.
🗣 “Everyone with a disability needs a PEEP.”
✅ Use: HR, compliance, accessibility.
12. FEEP – Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan
General plan for buildings.
🗣 “Ensure your FEEP is up to date.”
✅ Use: Offices, schools.
13. SAFE – Stay low, Alert help, Find exit, Evacuate
Focused on safe egress.
🗣 “Use the SAFE method during smoke.”
✅ Use: Fire drills and smoke safety.
14. ALERT – Assess, Listen, Evacuate, React, Tell
Situational acronym.
🗣 “Train students with ALERT.”
✅ Use: Educational institutions.
15. FAST – Fire Alarm, Assess, Shut doors, Tell others
Encourages immediate reaction.
🗣 “FAST action saves lives.”
✅ Use: Offices, dormitories.
16. CALL – Calm, Alert, Leave, Listen
Emergency phone and response protocol.
🗣 “CALL first — don’t panic.”
✅ Use: Public awareness posters.
17. CLEAR – Close doors, Leave, Evacuate, Assist, Report
For hallway or office evacuation.
🗣 “CLEAR the area before first responders arrive.”
✅ Use: School or public events.
18. FIRE PLAN
General fire strategy.
🗣 “Every home needs a fire plan.”
✅ Use: Domestic safety messaging.
19. EXIT – Evaluate, eXit immediately, Inform others, Take headcount
🗣 “Follow EXIT procedures in all drills.”
✅ Use: Evacuation policies.
20. HOT – Heat, Oxygen, Time
Used in fire triangle discussions.
🗣 “Fire needs HOT elements to survive.”
✅ Use: Science classes, fire theory.
21. 911 – Emergency call code (U.S.)
🗣 “Call 911 before using PASS.”
✅ Use: First step in most protocols.
22. EAP – Emergency Action Plan
Company-wide emergency planning.
🗣 “Post your EAP near all exits.”
✅ Use: Workplace safety.
23. BEEP – Battery, Expiry, Evaluate, Position
For checking fire alarms.
🗣 “Test alarms monthly — BEEP method!”
✅ Use: Fire alarm awareness.
24. DOOR – Don’t open, Observe, Only leave if safe, React quickly
Used during blocked exit scenarios.
🗣 “Use the DOOR checklist if smoke is outside.”
✅ Use: Fire in hotels, apartments.
25. TRIANGLE – Refers to Fire Triangle (Heat, Fuel, Oxygen)
🗣 “Disrupt the fire triangle to stop the flame.”
✅ Use: Fire science training.
26. SAFE-T – See fire, Activate alarm, Fight if trained, Evacuate, Tell officers
🗣 “Only use extinguishers if SAFE-T steps are followed.”
✅ Use: Industrial or warehouse settings.
27. EVAC – Short for evacuation
🗣 “Begin EVAC procedures immediately.”
✅ Use: Alerts, loudspeaker scripts.
28. PREP – Plan, Review, Educate, Practice
Used for readiness training.
🗣 “Always PREP before fire season.”
✅ Use: Seasonal fire awareness.
29. WATCH – Warn, Alert, Take cover, Call help, Help others
🗣 “WATCH out during fire drills.”
✅ Use: Fire or weather emergencies.
30. FIRE DRILL
Literal term but vital.
🗣 “Monthly fire drills reduce panic.”
✅ Use: Schools, public buildings.
🎯 How to Choose the Right Acronym
Here’s a handy breakdown:
| Use Case | Best Acronym(s) | Tone & Purpose |
| Fire extinguisher use | PASS, PASS-R | Practical, clear |
| Evacuation | RACE, EXIT, EVAC, FEEP | Procedural, organized |
| Family safety | EDITH, PREP, BEEP | Educational, simple |
| School settings | STOP DROP ROLL, CLEAR, ALERT | Memorable, child-friendly |
| Workplace policy | EAP, SAFE-T, ACT | Formal, compliance-ready |
✅ Final Thoughts
The PASS method is a must-know when it comes to fire safety — and thankfully, it’s easy to learn and teach. But fire safety doesn’t stop at extinguishers. The 30 acronyms shared above can help you build a well-rounded safety mindset, prepare for emergencies, and help others stay safe too.
From home to office, school to warehouse, choosing the right acronym for the right context keeps your fire safety training clear, effective, and impactful. 🧯🔥