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PSA: Keep bedroom doors closed to reduce risk of fire and smoke

By John Henry, Florida Architect

Services for Real Estate Pros with John Henry Masterworks Design International, Inc. 13013

October 15, 2018 09:49 AM

USA Today is reporting that tests were made by Philadelphia firefighters on a demo house with bedrooms near a living room. The living room was set on fire and the bedroom nearest to the fire with its door closed survived the fire and smoke/temperature longer than the bedroom farthest away. The closest bedroom with door closed was 77 degrees inside and 1700 degrees outside. With the slight smoke that was going through the door in the bedroom with closed door one could have opened the window and gotten out. The other bedroom had shattered glass and complete smoke damage, which would have overcome the occupant.

by Florida Luxury Home Architect John Henry https://www.dreamhomedesignusa.com/

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Ezra Beyman

Empire American Holdings - Manhattan, NY

Ezra Beyman is a seasoned real estate professional

Very interesting information. We sometimes get so caught up in selling and buying homes that we can forget about safety. Thanks for sharing!

Oct 15, 2018 10:22 AM

Barbara Todaro

Franklin, MA

John Henry, Florida Architect

Yes, agreed. If someone hadn't mentioned this to me this morning I would have had no clue about the doors. Maybe others here on AR didn't hear either. Thanks.

Oct 15, 2018 12:24 PM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Hi John Henry very important information for all to be "mindful" of....

Oct 15, 2018 10:27 AM

John Henry, Florida Architect

Yes Barbara, this is good to keep in mind!

Oct 15, 2018 12:25 PM

Debb Janes

Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA

Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Life-saving information and worth sharing. Let us hope we never have to test this tip.

Oct 15, 2018 12:22 PM

John Henry, Florida Architect

Yes, interesting but life-saving. Thanks

Oct 15, 2018 12:25 PM

Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX

NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon John Henry,

Wow..good information to share I did not hear about this. I certainly hope I never have to utilize this information but good to know.

Oct 15, 2018 12:55 PM

John Henry, Florida Architect

Yes Dorie, something to think about in everyone's house and sleeping habits. Here in the south we rely on air conditioning 11 months or more of the year and don't rely on natural breezes to stay cool. In other zones a nice breeze throughout the house sounds enticing.

Oct 15, 2018 01:27 PM

Debe Maxwell, CRS

Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC

The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hopefully the results of this test gets out to as many people as possible. I remember the doorknob test...if it's hot don't open the door. This valuable information could be the difference between living and dying in a fire.

Oct 15, 2018 01:11 PM

John Henry, Florida Architect

We have smoke detectors required by code now in every new house built. Older houses should have these installed in any case. A slight whiff of smoke should alert everyone.

Oct 15, 2018 01:28 PM

Kathy Streib

Cypress, TX

Home Stager/Redesign

Hi John- even with smoke detectors, we have always slept with our bedroom doors shut.

Oct 15, 2018 06:22 PM

John Henry, Florida Architect

It depends on where you live, who is in the house with you, how you run your AC, if there are nice breezes at night, etc. I like complete quiet and isolation. Thanks Kathy!

Oct 15, 2018 06:59 PM

Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX

Selling Homes Changing Lives

John Henry - I am so interested in this. You see, I've survived many fires. The first as a young child in my parent's home in Chicago. It was built in the late 1800's. It was struck by lightening. Next was a fire at the Ramada Inn. I was trapped until a 357 magnum was fired to break the windows to get me out and I was five months pregnant at the time. At the hotel, in the room across from where I was staying kids were playing with matches. That's why hotels don't have matches anymore. There were other household fires two that preceded the actual fire in home that caused me be to be displaced for six and my son and dog six months. My house had aluminum wiring. I am thankful for smoke detectors, updating smoke detectors over the years to code, and all new safety features to help people survive house fires. Fire is terrifying. All my experiences were very frightening and I am thankful to be alive.

Oct 15, 2018 07:30 PM

John Henry, Florida Architect

omigosh Patricia, what a terrible series of fire incidents you have endured!! There is some bad karma with you and fire! WOW. I have never been in a fire but I used to love to play with matches as a kid! I would start all sorts of fires. My guess is that you are through with fires and will never experience another. Keeping fingers crossed!!

Oct 17, 2018 08:46 AM

Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties

Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN

The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I don't understand why that happened. It must be a physics thing.

Oct 15, 2018 07:47 PM

John Henry, Florida Architect

I think the closed door simply keeps the smoke out. May be more rocket science involved but it does appear odd. The demo house has only two bedrooms and a living area. I wonder what other variables may be involved. Thanks Debbie

Oct 16, 2018 05:36 AM

Endre Barath, Jr.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA

Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

John, here in my market we have to have Smoke Detectors (SD) as well as Carbon Monoxide Detectors (CM), near the bedrooms and the kitchen. Visualize an 1100 square foot home with two CM's and three SD , so now that you mentioned this I can anticipate California will make it mandatory to make sure that the doors are closed:))Endre

Oct 15, 2018 11:14 PM

John Henry, Florida Architect

Endre, I can see California legislating closed doors in bedrooms in all houses at night. ha. They do tend to protect the consumer but I think the new round of housing regulations are a bit over the top. Thanks

Oct 16, 2018 05:37 AM

Laura Cerrano

Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY

Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

These are always good in case of fire and smoke and it’s a very serious thing that shouldn’t be second-guessed.

Oct 15, 2018 11:54 PM

John Henry, Florida Architect

Yes, good practice to keep in mind.

Oct 16, 2018 05:37 AM

James Dray

Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Morning John.

Interesting facts, having a son who retired as a firefighter, I'm sure he knew this one. I'll call and ask him today

Oct 16, 2018 01:27 AM

John Henry, Florida Architect

Hi James, would love to hear from your son to let us know the skinny on this one. Thanks

Oct 16, 2018 05:38 AM

Hannah Williams

HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA

Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

John Henry I heard this on the local news . Last time I slept with the door shut stubbed my toe so bad I could not wear shoes. I get up too many times in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom guess I will burn