Human behavior in fire emergencies

**Aboveground storage tank (AST) #

** A tank that is situated above the ground and is used to store flammable or combustible liquids. ASTs are subject to fire codes and regulations to minimize the risk of fire.

**Automatic fire sprinkler system #

** An engineered system of water-filled pipes and automatic sprinklers that are designed to detect and suppress fires. When a predetermined temperature is reached, the sprinkler heads activate, releasing water to control or extinguish the fire.

**Bonding #

** The process of connecting two conductive objects together to ensure electrical continuity and prevent the buildup of static electricity, which can ignite flammable vapor or dust.

**Building egress #

** The path of travel that occupants must take to exit a building during an emergency. Building egress includes doors, corridors, stairs, and evacuation routes.

**Combustible liquids #

** Liquids that have a flashpoint at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) but below 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93.3 degrees Celsius). These liquids are subject to fire codes and regulations.

**Containment #

** The ability to restrict the spread of a fire within a defined area or space, such as a room or compartment.

**Compartmentation #

** The division of a building into smaller, fire-resistive compartments to contain a fire and prevent its spread.

**Egress design #

** The process of planning and designing building egress systems to ensure safe and efficient evacuation during a fire emergency.

**Emergency planning #

** The development of plans and procedures to prepare for, respond to, and recover from fire emergencies.

**Exit access #

** The portion of an egress system that leads to an exit or a series of exits.

**Exit enclosure #

** A fire-resistive compartment that provides a protected path of travel from one story to another or to the exterior of a building.

**Fire alarm system #

** An engineered system of devices and components that detect and alert occupants to the presence of a fire.

**Fire barrier #

** A fire-resistive assembly that restricts the spread of fire between adjacent spaces.

**Fire code #

** A set of regulations that govern the design, construction, maintenance, and use of buildings and facilities to minimize the risk of fire.

**Fire compartmentation #

** See compartmentation.

**Fire detection system #

** A system that detects the presence of a fire and activates alarms, sprinklers, or other suppression systems.

**Fire department connection (FDC) #

** A connection point for fire department apparatus to supply water to a building's fire protection system.

**Fire endurance #

** The ability of a building component or assembly to withstand fire exposure for a specified period of time.

**Fire exit #

** An exit that provides a means of egress from a building during a fire emergency.

**Fire hazard #

** A situation or condition that poses a risk of fire.

**Fire load #

** The total amount of heat that would be released if all combustible materials in a building were to burn.

**Fire partition #

** A fire-resistive wall that separates buildings or portions of buildings.

**Fire protection engineer #

** A professional engineer who specializes in the design, analysis, and implementation of fire protection systems and strategies.

**Fire protection rating #

** The time in hours that a fire protection system or assembly can resist fire exposure.

**Fire protection system #

** An engineered system of devices, components, and assemblies that are designed to detect, suppress, or control fires.

**Fire protection water supply #

** The source of water used to supply fire protection systems, such as fire hydrants, tanks, and pumps.

**Fire resistant #

** The ability of a building component or assembly to resist fire exposure and maintain its structural integrity.

**Fire retardant #

** A chemical or material that is applied to a surface to reduce its flammability.

**Fire resistance #

** The ability of a building component or assembly to withstand fire exposure and maintain its function.

**Fire resistance rating #

** The time in hours that a fire-resistive building component or assembly can resist fire exposure.

**Fire safety #

** The practices and procedures used to minimize the risk of fire and protect people and property.

**Fire separation distance #

** The distance between a building and a property line or another building.

**Fire sprinkler system #

** See automatic fire sprinkler system.

**Fire suppression #

** The use of water, foam, or other agents to control or extinguish a fire.

**Fire triangle #

** A model that explains the three elements necessary for a fire: fuel, heat, and oxygen.

**Flame spread #

** The rate at which a fire spreads across a surface.

**Flashpoint #

** The lowest temperature at which a liquid produces flammable vapor.

**Fuel load #

** The amount of combustible materials in a building or space.

**Hourly fire rating #

** See fire resistance rating.

**Ignition source #

** A spark, flame, or other source of heat that can initiate a fire.

**Life safety #

** The protection of human life from fire and other hazards.

**NFPA #

** The National Fire Protection Association, a non-profit organization that develops and promotes fire codes and standards.

**Passive fire protection #

** Fire protection measures that are built into a building, such as fire-resistive walls and floors.

**Smoke detection system #

** A system that detects the presence of smoke and activates alarms, sprinklers, or other suppression systems.

**Smoke management #

** The use of engineering principles and technologies to control the movement and behavior of smoke during a fire emergency.

**Standpipe system #

** A system of pipes and valves that provide a source of water for fire department use.

**Structural fire protection #

** The use of materials, coatings, and designs to protect building structures from fire damage.

**Suppression system #

** See fire suppression.

**Travel distance #

** The distance that occupants must travel to reach an exit during a fire emergency.

**Upholstered furniture #

** Furniture that is covered in fabric or other combustible materials.

**Ventilation #

** The process of providing fresh air to a building or space to reduce the risk of fire and smoke inhalation.

**Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) #

** Organic chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and can contribute to indoor air pollution and fire hazards.

**Water supply #

** The source of water used for fire protection, such as fire hydrants, tanks, and pumps.