We constantly remind everyone of the key fire escape principle: "Small fires require quick escape, thick smoke means closing the door." This phrase emphasizes the importance of making the right choices during critical moments.
Closing the door, whether it’s a room or a main door, can effectively block fire and smoke, buying more time for others in nearby rooms or floors to evacuate safely. However, is simply closing the door enough to ensure safety?
In reality, understanding the limitations of sheltering behind a closed door is essential to creating a truly safe refuge and increasing the chances of rescue. Here are some critical points to consider:
Is the building structure suitable for sheltering behind a closed door?
If the building materials are not fire-resistant, such as tin sheets or wooden structures, they may deform or collapse under high temperatures, making them unsuitable for sheltering.
Are interior materials fire-resistant?
Using fire-resistant materials like calcium silicate boards or mineral wool panels increases the safety of sheltering behind a closed door. Conversely, if non-fire-resistant materials are used, sheltering in such conditions is not recommended.
Can the door material block high temperatures and dense smoke?
Glass or plastic doors are prone to cracking or melting under high heat and cannot effectively block smoke, making them unsuitable for safe refuge.
Most importantly: Remember to install residential fire alarms!
Fire alarms can sound an alert during the early stages of a fire, giving you time to detect, react, and escape early. It is recommended to install fire alarms in bedrooms, kitchens, and hallways at home to add an extra layer of protection for your family’s safety.
Remember to Install Residential Fire Alarms at Home (Photo/Source: Ministry of the Interior FB)
