"In a crisis, the plan you trained for is the only plan you have."
Fire Safety and Evacuation
Instructor Sele: Fire is the most common life-threatening emergency in a commercial or residential security setting. Every SafeHaven guard must know fire response procedures so completely that they can execute them correctly in the dark, in noise, and under stress. This module builds that knowledge.
Section 1 — The Fire Triangle
Fire requires three elements simultaneously — remove any one and the fire dies: Heat (the ignition source), Fuel (the combustible material), Oxygen (the air supply).
Fire extinguishers work by removing one of these elements: CO2 removes oxygen; water removes heat; dry powder disrupts the chemical reaction. Understanding the fire triangle helps you select the right extinguisher for each fire type.
Section 2 — Fire Extinguisher Types
The most critical rule: never use a water extinguisher on an electrical fire. Water conducts electricity — it can kill the operator and spread the fire.
| Extinguisher Type | Suitable For | NEVER Use On |
|---|---|---|
| Water (Red) | Wood, paper, textiles | Electrical equipment, flammable liquids |
| CO2 (Black) | Electrical fires, flammable liquids | Not for use in confined spaces |
| Dry Powder (Blue) | Most fire types | Not ideal for enclosed spaces — reduces visibility |
| Foam (Cream) | Flammable liquids | Electrical fires |
| Clean Agent (Green) | Sensitive electrical equipment | — |
Section 3 — Fire Response Procedure
On discovering or suspecting fire, the correct sequence is: Activate — sound the nearest fire alarm immediately, do not investigate first. Alert — radio your supervisor and call 911 from a safe location outside. Evacuate — begin evacuation using designated fire escape routes. Close — close doors behind you as you evacuate; this slows fire spread dramatically. Assemble — direct all persons to the designated assembly point. Account — conduct a headcount; report any missing persons to the fire warden immediately. Do not re-enter — until the fire service declares the building safe.
If you can safely use an extinguisher on a small, contained fire at the point of ignition — do so. But never fight a fire if it means blocking your own escape route.
Section 4 — Evacuation Planning and Assembly Points
Every SafeHaven site must have: a clear, posted evacuation plan showing all fire exits; a designated assembly point away from the building where all evacuees gather; an assigned fire warden per floor or zone responsible for the headcount; a roll call system so every person can be accounted for.
In a multi-storey building, evacuation begins on the affected floor and the floors immediately above — then proceeds floor by floor as directed by the fire warden. Lifts must never be used during a fire evacuation.
- •Never use a water extinguisher on an electrical fire — it can be fatal
- •Fire response sequence: Activate → Alert → Evacuate → Close doors → Assemble → Account
- •Never re-enter an evacuated building until the fire service confirms it is safe
- •Assembly points are pre-designated — every guard knows them before their first shift
- •In multi-storey buildings: evacuate the affected floor and floors above first
"I was on a site where a small kitchen fire started in a microwave. The guard's first instinct was to grab a bucket of water. I stopped him with one second to spare — there was an electrical outlet immediately above the microwave. The correct action was a CO2 extinguisher from the wall behind him, 1.5 metres away. Know your extinguisher locations. Know which type for which fire. Know it before the smoke starts."
Which type of fire extinguisher should NEVER be used on an electrical fire?