Cornelius Fire Shows Why To Close Your Doors Before Bedtime: Photos

CORNELIUS, NC — Cornelius-Lemley Fire Rescue is trying to get the word out that closing a door before bedtime can save lives.

A spokesperson for Cornelius-Lemley Fire Rescue said they recently responded to a fire that could have been deadly, but the damage to bedrooms was minimal because doors were closed.

"While the majority of this home was lost to fire, it must be noted that the bedrooms are still 100 percent intact with just minor smoke damage. Keep your family safe with this one simple step," they advised.

The images in the gallery above show a destroyed living room and other parts of the home, with bedrooms still appearing preserved and even clean after a severe fire.

"Modern synthetic construction materials, home furnishings, and contemporary layouts allow fire to spread and become toxic much faster — like three minutes or less to get out faster.
But a closed door can slow the spread, reduce toxic smoke levels, improve oxygen levels and decrease temperatures dramatically — and that could make a life-saving difference in your home," the Close Before You Doze campaign states.

Cornelius-Lemley Fire Rescue also has several other tips recommended to keep people safe before there is a fire.

• Make a fire escape plan. Draw a map of each level of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the map with everyone who lives with you.
• Plan two ways out of every room. Choose an outside meeting place in front of your home.
• Make a fire escape plan around your abilities. If you need to use a wheelchair or a cane, make sure you can get to it easily and get out quickly.
• If you wear hearing aids or eyeglasses, put them next to your bed while you are sleeping.
• Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
• Practice your fire escape plan by having a home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the home.
• If there is a fire in your home, get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people, pets or things.