Close before you doze

Why Close Your Bedroom Door?
A Simple Habit that Can Save Your Life

A closed bedroom door can help protect you during a home fire. It can slow the spread of heat, smoke, and toxic gases, giving you more time to escape or wait for help.

side by side view bedrooms affected by a home fire, one with a closed door and minimal damage the other with an open door and substantial damage

Closed Door vs. Open Door

With an Open Door:

  • Heat can become extremely dangerous.
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide can quickly fill the room.
  • You may have only seconds to react.

With a Closed Door:

  • Temperatures stay much lower.
  • Air remains safer to breathe.
  • You have more time to escape or be rescued.

Fire Safety Tips

  • Close all bedroom and living area doors before going to sleep.
  • Install smoke alarms inside and outside sleeping areas and on every level of your home.
  • Test smoke alarms every month.
  • Practice a home fire escape plan with your family.
  • Before opening a door during a fire, feel it with the back of your hand. If it is hot, do not open it. Use another exit if possible.
Remember, a closed door can slow the spread of fire, reduce smoke damage, and provide valuable time during an emergency. Shut your door tonight and sleep safer.