The Plymouth Fire Department promotes the Close Before You Doze campaign, a safety initiative that encourages residents to close their bedroom doors before going to bed. 

According to Underwriters Laboratories’ Fire Safety Research Institute, creator of the campaign, a closed bedroom door can slow the spread of fire and smoke and may increase the time available to escape a house fire. 

The Dangers of Smoke in House Fires

Smoke from house fires is filled with lethal carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, in addition to other dangerous chemicals. These harmful compounds are produced from burning synthetic furniture, carpet, drapes, and other household materials.  

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 38% of fire- and flame-related deaths that occurred in 2019 were due to smoke inhalation. An additional 30% were attributed to burns and smoke. 

Close Bedroom Doors

According to Underwriters Laboratories, 50% of house fires happen between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., while many are sleeping. Closing bedroom doors at night can: 

• Reduce room temperature during a fire from 1,000 degrees to 100 degrees
• Keep carbon monoxide levels in the room at 1,000 parts per million versus 10,000 parts per million
• Keep more oxygen in the room and away from the fire

Residents should develop and practice an escape plan for everyone in the household, with at least two ways out. Closing doors to rooms during exit can also help slow the spread of fire. And, as always, residents should install an adequate number of smoke alarms throughout the home and test them regularly – as a general rule, a smoke alarm on every level and in every bedroom.