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Checklist: Action at beginning of fire

Assess alarm and extinguish or evacuate

§Assess the situation

  • 01Is there danger to you? Your safety comes first
  • 02What is burning — and what is the fire class?
  • 03Is the fire small enough to extinguish safely?

§If you can extinguish safely

  • 01Choose the right extinguishing agent for the fire class
  • 02Never water on electrical equipment or burning fat
  • 03Switch off with your back to an escape route so you can always get away

§If the fire cannot be extinguished

  • 01Alert and warn others in the building
  • 02Evacuate via the nearest safe emergency exit
  • 03Close doors behind you to limit smoke and fire
  • 04Stay low under the smoke
  • 05Call 1-1-2 and stay out — never go back in for possessions