In case of fire, what is the correct RACE sequence?

• A. Rescue people in danger; Activate alarm; Contain (shut door); Extinguish if able or Evacuate
• B. Activate alarm; Rescue people in danger; Contain (shut door); Evacuate
• C. Contain (shut door); Rescue people in danger; Evacuate; Activate alarm
• D. Extinguish if able or Evacuate; Rescue people in danger; Activate alarm; Contain (shut door)

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to prioritize people’s safety by following the RACE steps: Rescue anyone in immediate danger first, then Activate the alarm to alert others and summon help, then Contain the fire by closing doors to slow its spread, and finally Extinguish if you can do so safely or Evacuate to safety. Rescuing those at risk takes precedence because delays here can cost lives; once people are out of danger, sounding the alarm ensures responders are on the way and others know to evacuate. Containing the fire by closing doors helps confine heat, flame, and smoke to a smaller area, protecting escape routes and giving more time for orderly evacuation. Extinguishing is done only if you can do it without putting yourself or others at risk; if the fire is too large or conditions are unsafe, evacuate and let professionals handle it.