How a simple closed door can help contain a house fire
VENN
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Did you know something as simple as a closed door can help prevent a fire from spreading throughout your home?
On Monday, March 16, Chesterfield County Fire and EMS shared photos of a recent garage fire on Facebook.
While the damage within the garage is severe, that damage did not spread to the attached home.
Photos from a garage fire in Chesterfield County where a closed door prevented further spread. (Photo: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS)
According to officials, this is because the door leading from the garage into the home was closed at the time.
Photos of either side of the door show that the side facing the garage was significantly damaged, while the side facing into the home has minimal damage.
Photos from a garage fire in Chesterfield County where a closed door prevented further spread. (Photo: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS)
Photos from a garage fire in Chesterfield County where a closed door prevented further spread. (Photo: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS)
"Use these photos as a reminder: If a fire breaks out in your home, close the door to the room where it’s burning to stop the spread," fire officials said.
Not only that, but closing a door can also protect your and your loved ones' health during a house fire. When a closed door is between you and the fire, carbon monoxide levels are significantly reduced, according to Underwriters Laboratories' (UR) Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI).
Chesterfield fire officials also reccomended closing your bedroom door whenever you sleep as an additional safety precaution. UR's FSRI even has a public fire safety education program surrounding this idea called "Close Before You Doze."
