If a fire is discovered, what is the correct initial action?

Sounding the alarm and implementing R.A.C.E (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate) is crucial as it establishes a structured approach to fire safety. The first step, "Rescue," highlights the importance of ensuring that any individuals in immediate danger are safely evacuated. Following this, "Alarm" emphasizes the need to alert everyone in the facility about the fire, ensuring that the emergency response is activated swiftly. "Contain" involves training to close doors behind you to prevent the fire from spreading, which can be vital in minimizing damage and protecting those who might still be in the building. Finally, "Extinguish" or "Evacuate" allows for either the attempt to put out smaller fires or safely evacuating if the fire is too severe.

Starting with an immediate evacuation without these steps overlooks essential safety protocol and can lead to confusion or delays in alerting others. Attempting to extinguish the fire first might be dangerous depending on the fire's size and location and can create additional risks for both the responder and others in the building. Calling emergency services and waiting does not prioritize getting people to safety or addressing the immediate danger efficiently. Therefore, the structured response provided in R.A.C.E is critically important