When there is a fire, smoke and fire can spread rapidly throughout a building. It is terrifying and every decision you make is important. A small mistake – like opening the wrong door – can put you in danger. This is why fire – fighters and public safety experts recommend an easy technique called the Door Heat Check.
This simple action can help you determine if it is safe to open a door when there is a fire. Doing the check takes seconds but could be the decision that saves your life.
The Importance of the Door Heat Check
During a fire, doors serve as an important buffer between you and the danger of smoke and fire. Imagine one door has a safe escape route behind it, while another door leads to dangerous fire and smoke. If a door is hot to the touch, opening it will allow nasty fire and flames to enter the room, thereby endangering your safety.
A door heat check is a quick way of assessing what is on the other side of a door. Feeling the door and its handle determines temperature and safety of opening it. Knowing the temperature of a door lets you avoid burns and determine the safest escape route.
Step 1: Stay Yourself and Think
Fire can create a panic situation. The first task is to calm yourself and consider the steps to take. Rushing toward a door or exterior exit location without thinking it through is dangerous! Take a deep breath and stay low to the ground, where the air is cleaner, while you prepare to safely check the door.
Step 2: Use the Back of Your Hand
To do the Door Heat Check, gently place the back of your hand on the door’s surface. You can do this as well on the door handle. Remember to always use the back of your hand; never your palm.
Why? If the door is very hot and you use your palm, your palm may get burned and prevent you from grabbing or climbing to safety. The back of your hand will help you reduce your risk.
Step 3: Feel For Heat
If the door or handle feels cool, or is only a little warm, you may be able to open it. If the door is hot, do not open the door; it is likely there is fire on the other side of the door. If opened, it could allow flames and smoke to enter the room.
Think of it as a warning indicator. Heat = danger.
Step 4: Open Slowly (If safe)
If the door feels cool, carefully open it. You will want to stand behind the door as much as possible and be prepared to shut the door tightly and quickly (if necessary) if you can see smoke or flames. It is important NOT to simply fling the door wide open in a quick motion. Opening the door carefully allows you to react.
Regardless, if you see fire or heavy smoke, close the door immediately and stay in the room. If possible, seal the edges of the door with a towel or other cloth and call for help.
Step 5: Look for an Alternative Exit
If the door is hot, do not open it as it may expose you to the fire. Look for another option – a window, balcony, or a second exit. If you cannot escape, remain in place, close the door tightly, and signal for rescue. Firefighters are trained to look for cues signaling that people are trapped inside.
Additional Safety Tips
The Door Heat Check is not difficult. These are some additional tips for you to implement:
- Stay Low – Smoke rises. This means if you stay low, you will be able to breathe better air.
- Use a Cloth – If smoke is coming in, use a wet cloth to cover your nose and mouth.
- Never Break Windows Without A Plan – Breaking glass may allow some smoke to enter, as well as block the way for a potential rescue.
- Practice at Home – It is a great idea to start teaching your children how to safely verify doors when you practice home fire drills.
- Know Your Exits – Always know there is more than one way out of your house, school, or job.
Teaching Kids the Door Heat Check
During an emergency, your children may panic. This is why it is so important for parents and teachers to teach the Door Heat Check to children at an early age. As parents and teachers carry out home and school fire drills, they can easily incorporate the Door Heat Check.
Show the children how to check a door by using the back of their hand to FIRST gently feel the door. Use a simple statement: if it is hot, do not open the door. If it is cool, open the door slowly. By practicing this step, a child will be more apt to remember it when it really matters.
A Minor Gesture That Saves Lives
The Door Heat Check may appear to be a small thing, but it has a major effect. Fires spread rapidly, and every second is important. By taking that extra moment to feel for heat first, you are essentially protecting yourself from walking right into the danger.
Firefighters have taught this technique for years because it works. It is incredibly simple, fast, and does not require any special tools, only awareness and a clear mind.