Fire Safety Guide · Lebanon / Middle East
The Five Rules of Fire
In any fire, seconds matter. These five rules put life first, get help fast, and ensure you only fight a fire when it’s truly safe—with the right equipment—then prevent it from coming back.
- Protect life before property (evacuate first).
- Raise the alarm & call emergency services immediately.
- Evacuate via safe routes and control doors/power if possible.
- Attack only if safe with the correct extinguisher—use PASS.
- Prevent re-ignition, account for people, and report/maintain equipment.
Rule 1 — Protect life before property
The golden principle: people first. If there’s visible flame, heavy smoke, or doubt about control—evacuate. Do not delay to collect valuables.
- Assist children, elderly, and mobility-impaired persons.
- Close doors behind you to slow smoke and heat spread.
- Go to the assembly point and begin headcount.
See also: The Golden Rule of Fire Fighting.
Rule 2 — Raise the alarm & call for help
Activate the building alarm, shout “Fire!”, and call emergency services immediately. Early notification brings professional help faster.
- Know the local emergency number and your site address in Lebanon.
- Assign a caller/runner in your emergency plan.
- Send someone to meet responders at the entrance if safe.
Rule 3 — Evacuate via safe routes
Leave by the nearest unobstructed exit. If smoke is present, stay low. Never use elevators during a fire.
- Shut off machinery or power if trained and safe.
- Do not re-enter until the all-clear from authorities.
- Account for everyone at the assembly point.
Rule 4 — Attack only if safe (use PASS)
Only attempt to fight the fire if all are true:
- The fire is small and contained.
- You have the right class of extinguisher and training.
- You have a clear escape route behind you.
- The alarm has been raised and help is on the way.
PASS method
- Pull the pin.
- Aim at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle.
- Sweep side to side.
If flames grow, smoke thickens, or you feel unsafe—evacuate immediately.
Rule 5 — Prevent re-ignition, account for people, report & maintain
Fire out? It’s not over. Hot surfaces and hidden embers can reignite.
- Cool and monitor the area; isolate fuel or power.
- Account for all persons and provide first aid if trained.
- Report the incident; service/replace used extinguishers.
- Review what worked and update your fire plan and training.
Mapping rules to equipment (Lebanon workplaces & homes)
| Rule | Helpful equipment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Life before property | Emergency lighting, exit signs, illuminated maps | Keep routes clear; practice evacuation drills. |
| Alarm & call | Manual call points, detectors, sounders, PA systems | Ensure audibility across floors; maintain logs. |
| Safe evacuation | Fire doors, smoke seals, door closers | Close doors to slow spread; never wedge open fire doors. |
| Attack if safe | ABC powder, CO₂, Foam, Wet Chemical, Class D agents | Match agent to fire class; train PASS; maintain annually. |
| Prevent re-ignition | Thermal camera checks, isolation switches, spill kits | Cool hotspots; isolate fuel/power; document incident. |
Training & compliance (Lebanon / MENA)
Programme
- Induction + annual refreshers; hands-on extinguisher drills.
- Role-specific: fire wardens, first aiders, kitchen staff.
Maintenance
- Monthly checks; annual service by certified technicians.
- Update after layout/process changes; keep records.
FAQ
Can I fight a fire before calling?
No. Alarm and call first. Help must be on the way before any attempt.
Is one ABC extinguisher enough for a floor?
Not necessarily. Quantity and type depend on area and hazards (servers, kitchens, metals). Do a site risk assessment.
What do I do after using an extinguisher?
Have it recharged/replaced immediately and record the incident. Investigate cause and prevent recurrence.
Need a fire plan, training, or the right extinguishers?
ZOD Fire Safety assesses, supplies, installs, and maintains certified systems across Lebanon. We also train your team on these five rules.
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