Before opening a closed door during a fire, which action should the NA take?

Before opening a closed door during a fire, which action should the NA take?

• A. Open the door slowly without checking for heat
• B. Check for heat coming from it before opening it
• C. Listen for smoke before opening
• D. Touch the door to feel heat

Answer: (B)

Feeling for heat before opening a closed door is essential in a fire. A door can hide a fire on the other side, and opening it when there is heat can let flames, hot gases, and smoke rush into your path, making the situation immediately more dangerous. Safely check by using the back of your hand to feel the door surface and watching for heat at the door knob, crack, or gap. If the door is hot, stay put and seek an alternate route or wait for help; if it’s not hot, you can open it cautiously and stay low to avoid smoke. This approach prevents feeding the fire and gives you time to react if heat or smoke is present.

Feeling for heat before opening a closed door is essential in a fire. A door can hide a fire on the other side, and opening it when there is heat can let flames, hot gases, and smoke rush into your path, making the situation immediately more dangerous. Safely check by using the back of your hand to feel the door surface and watching for heat at the door knob, crack, or gap. If the door is hot, stay put and seek an alternate route or wait for help; if it’s not hot, you can open it cautiously and stay low to avoid smoke. This approach prevents feeding the fire and gives you time to react if heat or smoke is present.