Saving a life in a house fire could only require something as simple as closing a door. Experts say that sleeping with a closed bedroom door could hold back flames and smoke long enough for occupants to wake up and attempt escape.
To help raise awareness of this simple but effective life-saving message, the East Ridge Fire Department partnered with the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) in the hopes of saving more lives in Tennessee.The Phoenix, Arizona-based rapid access device manufacturer Knox Company recently joined forces with the SFMO to provide “Close the Door” education materials to fire departments across the state. The ERFD is proud to partner with the SFMO to bring this campaign to the city of East Ridge.
“The ‘Close the Door’ message is simple, but it can have a life-saving impact,” said Assistant Commissioner of Fire Prevention Gary Farley. “We are thrilled that fire departments like East Ridge are partnering with us to take this message into communities across Tennessee. I commend the East Ridge Fire Department for their commitment to helping their community.”
Closing the door reduces fire growth and spread, limits damage to your home and could possibly save lives. A closed door can hinder flames and smoke from spreading to other rooms and can deprive a fire of the oxygen it needs to grow.
“Fires burn faster than ever,” added East Ridge Deputy Chief Mike Flynn. “Closing your bedroom door before going to sleep could buy you crucial seconds to escape in a house fire.”
During a fire remember:
_ Close the bedroom door when sleeping, if possible.
_ Close doors behind you when escaping a room/building that’s on fire.
_ If you are unable to escape a building that is on fire, close all doors between you and the fire. Use towels or sheets to seal the door cracks and cover air vents. Call the fire department to report your exact location.
_ Keep fire doors closed. These specialized doors are used to compartmentalize a building and prevent the spread of smoke and flames. Never wedge, disable or prop open fire doors in apartments or other buildings.
The SFMO and the East Ridge Fire Department urge Tennesseans to have working smoke alarms inside each sleeping area, outside each sleeping area and on every level of a home. For more tips on keeping your home fire safe, visit https://www.knoxhomebox.com/closethedoor or https://www.tn.gov/commerce/fire-prevention.
