I Just Learned Why You Should Sleep With Your Bedroom Door Closed — And It Could Make a Life-Saving Difference
Don’t blindly open a door into dangerous conditions.
Fire-safety education traditionally recommends checking conditions and using an alternative escape route when the primary route isn’t safe.
Bedrooms, particularly those on upper floors, need realistic escape planning.
That doesn’t mean improvising by jumping from dangerous heights.
Families should plan appropriate exits beforehand and consider the needs of children, older adults, people with disabilities and anyone who might need assistance.
You don’t want the first family discussion about escaping a fire to happen while the smoke alarm is screaming.
Children Need to Know the Plan Too
Parents sometimes assume children will automatically run outside when a smoke alarm sounds.
That’s risky.
Children may become frightened.
Some hide.
Some sleep through alarms.
Others don’t understand where they’re supposed to go.
A household fire escape plan should therefore include everyone.
Decide where you’ll meet outside.
Make sure children understand that once they’re outside, they stay outside.
Practice the plan periodically so the actions feel familiar rather than completely new during an emergency.
Don’t Forget Pets, But Don’t Risk Your Life
People love their animals, and the instinct to run back inside for a pet can be overwhelming.
But entering a burning structure can turn one emergency into two.
Include pets in your escape planning when practical, but once you’re safely outside, tell firefighters about animals that may remain inside.
Professional firefighters have protective equipment and training that you don’t.
One Closed Door Can Also Help Contain a Fire
There’s another reason doors matter.
Suppose you discover a small fire and successfully leave the home.
Closing doors behind you, when doing so doesn’t delay or endanger your escape, can help limit fire and smoke movement.
Fire-service guidance has specifically promoted closing doors when exiting a structure during a fire.
Again, don’t waste time walking around closing every door.
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