Fire Safety 101
Fire Safety Education
Know what to do before, during, and after a fire. Tap any section below to expand it.
What to do when there is a fire
- Stay calm and alert others immediately by shouting "Fire!" or activating a fire alarm.
- Evacuate right away through the nearest exit. Never use elevators during a fire.
- If there is smoke, stay low and crawl beneath it — cleaner air is near the floor.
- Close doors behind you as you leave to help slow the fire's spread.
- Once outside and safe, call 911 or your local Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) station.
- If you're trapped, stay near a window, signal for help, and seal door gaps with cloth to block smoke.
- Never go back inside for belongings — wait for firefighters to confirm it's safe.
Fire Prevention Tips
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets or using makeshift "octopus" wiring connections.
- Turn off and unplug appliances when they're not in use.
- Never leave cooking unattended on the stove.
- Keep flammable materials (rags, paper, gas containers) away from heat sources.
- Install smoke detectors and test them regularly.
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible and make sure your household knows how to use it.
Using a Fire Extinguisher (PASS Method)
- Pull the safety pin.
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, not the flames.
- Squeeze the handle slowly and evenly.
- Sweep side to side until the fire is out.
- Only attempt this on small, contained fires — evacuate if it's spreading.
Common Causes of Fire
- Faulty electrical wiring or overloaded circuits.
- Unattended cooking equipment.
- Carelessly discarded cigarettes or other smoking materials.
- Unattended candles or other open flames.
- Improper storage or handling of flammable liquids and gas.
Creating a Home Fire Escape Plan
- Identify at least two ways out of every room.
- Agree on a meeting point outside, a safe distance from the house.
- Practice the escape plan with everyone in the household, including children.
- Keep exits, hallways, and stairwells clear and unlocked at all times.
After a Fire
- Do not re-enter the building until firefighters confirm it's safe.
- Report the incident to your barangay and the nearest BFP station if you haven't already.
- Document damage with photos for insurance and official reports.
- Have an electrician and structural inspection done before resuming normal use of the property.
Fire Safety Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't use water on electrical or grease/oil fires — it can spread the fire or cause electrocution.
- Don't hide in a closet or bathroom instead of evacuating.
- Don't ignore a smoke detector's low-battery chirp — replace batteries right away.
- Don't block fire exits, stairwells, or hallways with furniture or storage.
- Don't attempt to fight a large or spreading fire alone — evacuate and call for help instead.