Close Before You Doze: A Life-Saving Fire Safety Measure

Did you know that simply closing your bedroom door before going to sleep can significantly increase your chances of surviving a house fire? Fires spread fast, but a closed door can make a life-saving difference by slowing the spread of smoke, heat, and toxic gases.

The "Close Before You Doze" campaign, led by safety experts and firefighters, highlights how this small, mindful step can save lives. As your local fire district, we want to ensure our Lookingglass community is informed and prepared to protect themselves and their families.

The Science Behind Closing the Door

• Fire Spreads Rapidly: Modern homes burn faster than ever due to synthetic materials and open-concept designs. Fires that used to take 15–20 minutes to engulf a room can now consume it in less than 5 minutes.
• Closed Doors Create a Barrier: Closing your door slows the spread of fire and smoke, reducing the speed at which your room is affected.
• Toxic Gas Protection: A fire produces dangerous carbon monoxide and other toxic gases. A closed door can keep these gases out, allowing you to breathe safer air while awaiting rescue.
• Temperature Control: In a fire test, a closed-door room stayed at about 100°F, while the adjacent room with an open door reached 1,000°F. This massive temperature difference can mean the difference between life and death.

Key Benefits of Closing Your Door at Night

1. Slows Fire Spread: Gives you more time to escape or be rescued.
2. Limits Exposure to Smoke: Smoke inhalation is the leading cause of fire-related deaths. A closed door reduces your exposure.
3. Preserves Oxygen Levels: Keeping your door closed can help maintain breathable air in your room longer.
4. Improves Firefighter Rescue Efforts: Containing the fire helps firefighters navigate and extinguish it more efficiently.

Fire Safety Checklist: Close Before You Doze

Follow these simple tips to enhance your family’s safety:

1. Close All Bedroom Doors Before Bed: Teach every member of your household to make this a nightly habit.
2. Install Smoke Alarms: Ensure working smoke alarms are installed in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each floor of your home. Test them monthly and replace batteries annually.
3. Practice Your Escape Plan: Develop a home fire escape plan with at least two ways out of every room. Practice this plan regularly with your family.
4. Educate Your Family: Share this information with your loved ones, including children. Simple knowledge can save lives.
5. Keep Hallways and Exits Clear: Ensure pathways are free of clutter to allow for a quick exit in an emergency.

See the Difference for Yourself

Watch this powerful video from the "Close Before You Doze" campaign to see how closing your door can dramatically improve your chances of survival during a fire:

Close Before You Doze - Life-Saving Fire Safety

Learn More

The "Close Before You Doze" campaign is supported by ongoing research from UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI). To explore more data, resources, and testimonials, visit the official campaign page:
➡️ Close Your Door

Stay Fire Safe with Lookingglass Rural Fire District

Your safety is our priority. By taking small steps like closing your door at night and preparing your family with a fire escape plan, you can make a big difference in the event of a fire.

For more fire safety tips or to schedule a fire safety consultation, contact the Lookingglass Rural Fire District at:
(Station Phone)  541-679-5555
(Duty Phone)  541-580-6130
 

Together, we can keep our community safe and prepared.