Many of us wonder before going to bed whether to leave the bedroom door open or closed. For some, an open door provides a false sense of control over what happens in the house; for others, it’s simply a habit. However, safety experts warn that this seemingly minor detail can have fatal consequences in an emergency like a fire.
Recent studies reveal a dramatic difference in conditions between rooms with open versus closed doors during a fire. In a room isolated by a closed door, the air temperature can stay below 38 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, with the door open, temperatures can soar to 540 degrees and higher. Additionally, a closed door effectively blocks deadly carbon monoxide—the dangerous byproduct of combustion—keeping its concentration at safer levels. Even a simple wooden or hollow-core door becomes a crucial barrier that can separate you from a lethal threat.
This barrier gives you the most valuable thing in an emergency—time. Experts point out that over the past few decades, the time available to evacuate a burning building has drastically decreased. Forty years ago, people had an average of about 17 minutes to leave after a fire alarm went off, but today that window has shrunk to three minutes or even less. The reason lies in the materials used in modern furniture and finishes. Synthetic fabrics, plastic, and polyurethane foam catch fire much faster and produce more toxic smoke than the natural materials used in the past. In these circumstances, every extra minute can be crucial for saving lives.
As important as it is to keep the door closed, there is one critical detail: never lock it with a key. A locked door can be a major obstacle for rescuers arriving at the scene. Trying to break the lock wastes precious seconds and minutes that you may not have. The rule is simple: the door should be shut firmly, but never locked from the inside.
Experts also remind us of the importance of a comprehensive approach to fire safety. A closed door is just one element of protection. It is crucial to have working smoke detectors on every floor of your home and near sleeping areas. In addition, every family should have a clear and well-rehearsed evacuation plan in place. Each family member, including children, must know how to leave the house quickly and where the designated safe meeting spot is located. Combining these measures significantly increases the chances of a safe outcome in the event of a fire.
