Fire Chief’s Corner – Importance of Fire Doors
Welcome to Fire Prevention Week 2021! In addition to our messages this week, please visit firepreventionweek.org for more information on the “Sounds of Fire Safety” in your workplace and community.
Fire and smoke rated doors in a building serve an important function for passive fire protection. In the event of a fire, a properly functioning rated door can prevent the spread of heat and smoke, and allow for more valuable time to find an exit and escape from a fire emergency.
Fire rated doors can be identified by checking the frame, hinge side, or top area of a door panel for a label, indicating that the door is listed for fire rating, including the duration of rating resistance. Fire doors are most commonly located to separate stairwells, to separate shafts spanning multiple floors, and to protect sleeping rooms from the spread of smoke and fire within the corridor.
All fire-rated doors are required to self-close and latch in the event of a fire alarm activation. In order to ensure that this happens, always ensure that rated doors are not held open with wedges, carts, waste receptacles, or any other object that prevents automatic closure. Latches cannot be taped or plugged to prevent the door from properly securing.
In sleeping areas, follow the “Close Before You Doze” advice, as a closed door to a bedroom or dormitory suite can protect from the travel of heat and smoke into the room. Every minute counts in a fire emergency, and a properly closed and functioning door can help to provide valuable protection.
The UConn Fire Department Public Education Team:
- A/Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Volovski
- Firefighter Anna Grudzinski
- Firefighter Ryan Shea
William Perez, EdD, EFO, CFO
Fire Chief/Associate Director of Public Safety
UCONN/Division of Public Safety
126 North Eagleville Road
Storrs, CT 06269-3070
Office 860-486-5298
Cell 860-336-9836
For more information, contact: Dan Volovski - Fire Department at daniel.volovski@uconn.edu