Most people believe they will wake up in time if a fire starts in their home. Unfortunately, modern fires grow faster and hotter than ever before-often leaving only minutes or even seconds to escape. In a modern residential fire flashover can occur in as little as 3-5 minutes, visibility can drop to zero rapidly, and toxic smoke can render occupants unconscious quickly.
One simple action can dramatically increase your chances of survival: Close your bedroom door before going to sleep.
Today's homes contain more synthetic materials-furniture, mattresses, carpets, and plastics-than homes built decades ago. these materials burn faster, produce more heat, and release thick, toxic smoke.
When a fire starts elsewhere in the home:
Closing your bedroom door creates a temporary fire barrier that can:
One simple action can dramatically increase your chances of survival: Close your bedroom door before going to sleep.
Today's homes contain more synthetic materials-furniture, mattresses, carpets, and plastics-than homes built decades ago. these materials burn faster, produce more heat, and release thick, toxic smoke.
When a fire starts elsewhere in the home:
- Open doors allow fire, heat, and smoke to spread rapidly
- Fire growth accelerates due to increased oxygen
- Smoke quickly fills hallways and bedrooms, even before flames arrive
A closed door helps disrupt this process.
- Slow the spread of flames
- Reduce heat entering the room
- Limit toxic smoke exposure
- Preserve breathable air
- Lower room temperatures dramatically