Everyone has unique sleeping preferences, some of which are developed unconsciously during childhood. For instance, if you grew up in a household where closing bedroom doors at night was the norm, you likely still do so as an adult without much thought. This seemingly small habit can have life-saving implications in the event of a fire. If you haven’t been in the habit of shutting your door when you sleep, consider this a gentle nudge to start doing so.
We spoke with Jennifer Williams, the research amplification lead at the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), to shed light on why taking a moment to close doors before bedtime is crucial. The data she shared is eye-opening and should serve as a strong motivation to never overlook this simple nightly task. Williams also provided additional nighttime fire safety tips to ensure the well-being of yourself and your loved ones.
Williams emphasizes the importance of sleeping with the bedroom door closed. She points out that 50% of home fire fatalities occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., which coincides with the typical sleeping hours. In moments of sudden awakening, such as by a smoke alarm, a nightmare, or a pet needing attention, the initial disorientation can cost valuable time. Research indicates that individuals have only a few minutes, particularly if a lithium battery is involved in starting the fire, to escape a rapidly spreading house fire. Hence, every second counts, and it’s natural to lose some of those seconds when trying to comprehend and react to the situation.
Williams underscores the impact of a closed door in such situations. The Close Before You Doze campaign by FSRI reveals that a closed door can impede the fire’s progression by depriving it of oxygen. This simple act can result in a temperature difference of up to 900 degrees between a room with a closed door and one without. Additionally, a closed door can maintain carbon monoxide levels at 1,000 parts per million compared to 10,000 parts per million in an open room.
Creating a plan is crucial. A closed door acts as a shield against heat and smoke, offering you more time and protection to evacuate. Williams stresses the importance of having an escape strategy in place. The primary plan should involve exiting through the door (closing it behind you) and meeting family members at a designated location outside. If the door feels warm to the touch, the secondary plan would be to escape through a window. If that’s not feasible, the third plan is to wait for assistance. Williams highlights that the average fire department response time is approximately six minutes from dispatch. By keeping doors shut, you gain vital extra minutes while help is on the way.
While closing bedroom doors at night is essential, Williams recommends going a step further and closing all doors in the house. This measure can contain a fire to its origin point, making it easier for your family to evacuate and for firefighters to rescue you.
If you’re still unsure about the benefits of closing doors at night, FSRI has
The Close Before You Doze campaign has successfully influenced individuals to change their behavior by adopting the practice of shutting doors, even if they had not done so previously. This simple yet crucial action can significantly enhance fire safety measures, particularly during nighttime hours when the risk of a fire breaking out while individuals are asleep is heightened.
In addition to this key behavior change, there are several other essential tips and guidelines shared by experts to further safeguard homes and families from the dangers of fire. It is strongly recommended to ensure that all smoke alarms are in proper working condition by testing them at least twice a year. This routine maintenance can be a lifesaving measure in alerting occupants to the presence of smoke or fire in the early stages.
Creating and practicing an escape plan that covers various scenarios is another critical aspect of fire safety preparedness. This plan should involve all members of the household and be thoroughly understood and rehearsed to ensure a swift and coordinated response in the event of an emergency. By familiarizing everyone with escape routes and procedures, the likelihood of successful evacuation is significantly increased.
To minimize fire risks further, it is advised to unplug devices that have the potential to overheat, such as phones and laptops, when not in use. The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) has highlighted the dangers posed by lithium batteries and has launched the Take C.H.A.R.G.E of Battery Safety campaign to raise awareness and promote safe practices in handling these devices.
When using heated blankets or space heaters, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and never leave them unattended while in operation. These devices can pose a significant fire hazard if not used correctly or if left unsupervised. Similarly, running appliances that generate heat, such as dishwashers and dryers, overnight should be avoided to reduce the risk of fire incidents.
While charging electric vehicles or scooters overnight may seem convenient, it is not recommended due to the potential fire hazards associated with lithium batteries. Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure that these vehicles are not obstructing any exits, as this could impede a quick and safe evacuation in the event of an emergency.
By incorporating these fire safety tips and best practices into everyday routines, individuals can significantly enhance their preparedness and resilience in the face of potential fire incidents. Taking proactive steps to minimize risks and promote safety within the home is essential for protecting both property and, most importantly, the lives of loved ones.
For more insights and information on enhancing fire safety measures in the home, refer to the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.
