You may prefer to sleep with the door open, but this habit can put you at risk. Why is it the safest choice to close the bedroom door? Find out what security experts recommend.

Everyone has their own preference – some like to sleep with the door open, others close it. Phowever, according to a study by the American Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), sleeping with the door closed can literally be a lifesaver. What is behind it?

Why do closed doors protect against fire?

Studies show that closed doors can significantly slow down the spread of fire and smoke, keep more oxygen in the room and lower the temperature. Due to the increasing use of flammable plastics in construction and interior design, fires are spreading faster than ever before. That’s why FSRI launched the “Close before you doze” campaign, which draws attention to the importance of a closed door at night.

Carsten Wege from the German Association of Fire Protection Experts confirms that closed doors help slow the spread of fire and protect adjacent rooms. However, the exception may be children’s rooms with very small children, where it is more appropriate to leave the door open. However, if a fire breaks out in one room, it is important to immediately close all open windows and doors.

How to recognize a fire behind closed doors?

If the door is closed, you may not immediately notice the fire. It is therefore important to control the heat on the surface of the door. If the door is not hot, open it only if the situation allows it without risk to you.

Fire prevention at home

Statistics show that up to in every fourth household, where the fire department intervenes, a fire occurred due to human inattention.

Therefore, it is important to observe preventive measures:

  • Electrical appliances: Unplug after use.
  • Extension cords: Do not overload them and turn them off when not in use.
  • Fire alarms: Install them in every room – in some countries they are already mandatory.
  • Extinguishing: Have a working fire extinguisher at home.

What to do in case of fire?

It is not always possible to prevent a fire. If a fire does break out, follow these tips:

  1. Respond quickly: If it is safe to do so, try to extinguish the fire, otherwise leave the danger area as quickly as possible.
  2. Close windows and doors: This will prevent the access of oxygen and the spread of fire.
  3. Call the fire department: Contact emergency services immediately and inform them of the situation.
  4. Avoid elevators: Use the stairs during a fire.
  5. Do not use the staircase if it is extremely smoky: If the staircase is heavily smoky, return to the apartment, close the door and wait for rescue.
  6. Persons on fire: If someone is on fire, stop them from running and extinguish them by covering them with a blanket or jacket.
  7. Help in case of fire: As long as the source of the initial fire is clearly visible, an attempt should be made to save the endangered persons. An attempt to extinguish the fire can also be made subsequently.

The best place to put a carbon monoxide detector. Where not to install it?