After a nationwide search for the most creative interpretation of a critical life-saving message, UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute (FSRI) announces the winners of the Close Before You Doze video contest. The first-place video, “Close B4 U Doze,” was created by North Carolina fire departments Greenville Fire/Rescue, Rocky Mount Fire Department, and Wilson Fire-Rescue Services. During a press conference on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, the three departments will be presented with a check for a $25,000 donation which will go towards local fire safety education.

The contest spread the Close Before You Doze fire safety message by asking the public to create original videos reminding people to close their bedroom doors each night to help create a barrier against deadly levels of carbon monoxide, smoke and flames, and potentially save lives during a home fire. The ENC departments’ video features a catchy, original rap that is engaging and educational, sharing key fire safety measures including closing bedroom doors, how to safely escape a home fire and the importance of a fire escape plan.

“We are humbled to receive this recognition from UL FSRI and the Close Before You Doze contest! Our hope is that the music video will help people better understand the importance of fire safety at home,” said Rebekah Thurston, Greenville Fire/Rescue, Fire & Life Safety Educator and PIO, speaking on behalf of the three honored departments. “We believe this honor further solidifies the commitment of each of our departments to fire safety and prevention, and we plan to continue that tradition in Eastern North Carolina.”

From musical interpretations and creative animations to real-life demonstrations, the contest received dozens of entries which were put to a public vote to determine the top eight winners. A panel of UL FSRI representatives then ranked the top videos, and each of the winners received a donation for fire safety education to the fire department of their choice.

“It’s incredible to see these amazing interpretations of the Close Before Your Doze message,” said Zoe Susice, Director of Research Amplification at UL FSRI. “We were happy to see three fire departments so inspired that they came together to make their brilliant original song and educational music video to remind people to put the Close Before You Doze message into practice and share it with their community.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 40 years ago, people had 17 minutes to escape their home in the event of a fire. Today, fire is faster due to synthetic fabrics in furniture, lighter construction materials, and open floor plans, leaving people with less than three minutes to escape. Research from UL FSRI shows that in a fire, a closed-door room has average temperatures of less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit versus more than 1,000 degrees in a room with an open door. A door is also an effective barrier against deadly smoke and carbon monoxide, keeping oxygen levels higher, and if someone cannot escape the room, a closed door helps to buy precious time for help to arrive.

You are invited to attend the press conference and check presentation where members and city leaders from each of the three departments, as well as, representatives from UL FSRI will be available for comment. It is set for October 1, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Greenville Fire/Rescue 
Station 1 at 500 South Greene Street. We hope you will come and join in our celebration.

For more information about the Close Before You Doze message and to view all winning videos, please visit CloseYourDoor.org/contest.