Want to know a simple and easy way to give you and your family valuable time to escape a potential house fire?
Close your bedroom door when you sleep!
Why closing bedroom doors is so important
50% of house fires happen between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., typically when most families are sound asleep. Closing a door can mean the difference of experiencing 1,000 degrees or 100 degrees during a fire. It also helps keep harmful carbon monoxide levels down. Creating a barrier with a closed door provides valuable time to get out of your home in alternate ways, such as through a bedroom window.
Study example
In a study conducted by Underwriters Laboratory, two rooms were positioned next to each other, with one room containing modern-day household materials and construction; and the other containing decades-old materials (found in older houses that are referred to as legacy homes). It has been proven that modern building materials result in fires burning hotter and faster than ever before. The modern-day room transitioned into a fully-engulfed fire phase within 3 minutes and 30 seconds; whereas the legacy room took 29 minutes and 30 seconds. This is an astonishing difference—not to mention the additional time it could take to realize that something is wrong.
Families with small children
We know that young children often want their doors open at night. Yet, it is important for families to understand that closing bedroom doors at bedtime helps create a safety barrier in case of a fire. This allows for a longer period of time for family members to escape the home and survive.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the fire department. Stay updated on additional safety information by “liking us” and following us on Facebook.
