It’s time to add “Close your door” to your fire safety checklist.
Fire Marshal Paul Payne. Credit: Michael Dinan
We all know how important it is to have working smoke alarms, escape plans and a safe meeting place in case of a fire. Closing doors in your home is also important for your safety. Closed doors can reduce fire growth, limit damage to your home, keep temperatures down and can even save your life if you should become trapped.
Doze Safely: Approximately 50% of home fires happen between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Close your door before you go to sleep.
Take it Down a Notch: During a fire, a closed door can keep carbon monoxide levels 90% lower than if a door is left open.
Make a 900 Degree Difference: A closed door, during a fire, can mean reducing 1,000 degrees down to 100 degrees.
Take a Breather: A fire needs oxygen to burn. A closed door keeps more oxygen in the room and away from the fire. When you exit a fire, close doors behind you to slow its growth.
Did You Know: Because of synthetic (man-made) materials in our homes, fire spreads faster than ever before.
Check Those Alarms Monthly: It is important to take other safety precautions as well. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
Plan Your Escape: Having a fire escape plan for your home is also important to stay safe during a fire. Visit every room in your house with your family and try to have 2 ways out of each room. Decide on a designated meeting spot outside.
For any questions regarding fire safety please contact the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office at 594-3030.