Why You Should Always Sleep with Your Bedroom Door Closed
It might feel natural to leave your bedroom door open at night—maybe to keep an ear out for your kids, let your pets roam, or just feel less confined. But when it comes to fire safety, this small habit could have serious consequences.
A Simple Step That Could Save Your Life
It may not seem like a big deal, but closing your bedroom door before going to sleep could buy you precious extra minutes in a fire—enough time to escape safely. And in a house fire, those extra minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
Here’s a shocking fact: because today’s homes are filled with synthetic furniture and materials, the time you have to get out during a fire has dropped from about 17 minutes to just 3 minutes.
A study by the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute drove the point home. In a test scenario, a bedroom with the door left open was quickly destroyed by fire, while a closed-door room just down the hall remained largely untouched and protected from smoke and flames.
“Close Before You Doze” — A Message That Could Save Lives
That’s the idea behind the “Close Before You Doze” campaign. It’s a simple, powerful reminder: a closed door acts like a barrier, slowing the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. It can also reduce dangerous smoke inhalation, giving you a better chance of escaping or being rescued in time.
Don’t Stop There — More Essential Fire Safety Tips:
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. Test them monthly and replace batteries as needed.
- Check your carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they’re functioning properly.
- Create an escape plan for your household. Know two ways out of each room and practice your plan regularly with your family.
A Small Action with Big Impact
No one wants to imagine a house fire, but being prepared can make all the difference. And one of the easiest things you can do? Just close your bedroom door before you go to sleep.
So tonight, before your head hits the pillow, take a second to shut the door. It’s a simple habit—but it could save your life.
Safety Tip: Always check with your local fire department for the most up-to-date recommendations and emergency plans.