In a Fire, Close All Doors Behind You Sign (Local Law 115)
You have probably seen the red signs on stairwell doors in NYC buildings: "In a Fire, Close All Doors Behind You!" They came out of hard lessons from deadly fires where an open door let smoke fill the stairs. Here's what the law requires and how to get it right.
The quick answer
In short: Under Local Law 115 of 2018 and FDNY rule 3 RCNY Section 401-06(g), residential buildings must post a "close the door" notice on the public hallway side of each stairwell door. It's at least 2.75 x 12 inches, red and white, with set wording and a picture of a door with flames.
Why this sign exists
When an apartment or stairwell door is left open during a fire, smoke pours into halls and stairs, which are the escape routes. Closing the door keeps the fire and smoke contained. The sign is a reminder right where people need it: on the door they're about to walk through.
The same push led the city to require self closing apartment and stair doors that are kept in good repair. A broken self closing door is a serious violation, with only 14 days to fix it. Apartment doors also carry their own fire safety notice.
What the sign must look like
At least 2.75 inches tall and 12 inches wide, not counting the frame.
White letters on fire engine red, or bold red letters on white.
A full color image at least 1.75 x 1.75 inches, showing a door ajar with flames behind it.
Four set lines, plus the citation NYC Admin Code Section 15-135.
The four lines are: "In a Fire, Close All Doors Behind You!", "Keep Fire and Smoke Out of Building Hallways and Stairs.", "Keep Apartment and Stairwell Doors Closed at All Other Times." and "Protect Your Neighbors and Your Home!" The FDNY rule also sets font sizes for each line, shown on the FDNY sample notice.
Ask us about close the door signs made to FDNY specs. See fire safety signs
Where it goes
- 1Every stairwell doorOn the public hallway side, facing people in the corridor.
- 2Every floorEach floor's stairwell door gets one. A 6 story building with two stairs needs about twelve.
- 3Open stairs don't need itStairs without a door aren't covered.
The stairwell door is also where many buildings have floor number and stair ID signs, so plan the layout so both are easy to read. The checklist and placement guide cover the lobby.
What this looks like in practice
Picture a 5 story building in the Bronx with one enclosed stair. That's five stairwell doors, one per floor, each needing a red close the door sign on the hallway side. The super mounts them at eye level, just above the floor number sign, and checks that each door still closes and latches on its own.
Tips from our shop
- Don't drill fire rated doors.
Use strong adhesive or a decal so the door's rating stays intact.
- Check the closers while you're there.
A sign on a door that doesn't close by itself won't help anyone.
- Replace damaged signs quickly.
The rule says missing or damaged notices must be replaced promptly.
Official sources: FDNY 3 RCNY 401-06, FDNY close the door notice, NYC Admin Code self closing doors.
Quick answers
Where does the close the door sign go?
On the public hallway side of each stairwell door. Open stairs don't need one.
What size is the close the door sign?
At least 2.75 x 12 inches, not counting the frame, in red and white.
Is this the same as the fire safety notice?
No. The fire safety notice goes on apartment doors and in the lobby. The close the door sign goes on stairwell doors.
Not sure what your building needs?
Send us your address and number of apartments. We will tell you exactly which signs to order.
General information based on the NYC HPD Required Signage page as of November 2026. Not legal advice. HPD Signs NYC is not affiliated with the City of New York or HPD. Prices may change. Check nyc.gov/hpd for the latest rules.