Do you have a fire safety plan for your family? If so, does this plan include your pets? Believe it or not, over 500,000 pets are affected by home fires each year.
For this reason, the American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services have designated July 15th as National Pet Fire Safety Day. These two organizations are working together to educate pet owners about the potential risks pets face when left home alone.
According to an AKC study, “88 percent of pet owners consider their pets to be valued family members so it makes sense to include them in fire prevention plans and rescue alerts should a house fire strike.” As part of National Pet Fire Safety Day, AKC and ADT have developed helpful prevention, escape and rescue tips for pet owners.
“One of the hallmarks of responsible dog ownership is keeping pets safe and planning for unexpected emergencies, including house fires,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Pet proofing the home, developing pet-friendly escape routes, and alerting rescuers of your pets presence with ‘window clings’ is the best way to keep your four-legged family member from harm.”
Be sure that you have taken all precautions necessary to keep your pets safe by reading the safety tips below.
“National Pet Fire Safety Day” Tips to Keep Pets Safe from House Fires:
- Extinguish Open Flames – Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
- Pet Proof the Home – Take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might start fires inadvertently, such as the stove knobs, loose wires and other potential hazards.
- Secure Young Pets – Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home.
- Keep Pets Near Entrances – When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
- Practicing Escape Routes with Pets – Keep collars and leashes at the ready in case you have to evacuate quickly with your pet or firefighters need to rescue your pet.
- Since Pets Left Alone Can’t Escape a Burning Home – Use monitored smoke detectors which are connected to a monitoring center, providing an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms.
- Affix a Pet Alert Window Cling – Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets.
- Keep Your Information Updated – Firefighters are familiar with pet alert window clings so keep the number of pets listed on them updated. Knowing the accurate number of pets in the house aids rescuers in finding all of your pets.
To celebrate National Pet Fire Safety Day, July 15th, stop by Braxton’s Animal Works and pick up a pack of Pet Alert window decals. We also carry pet toys made from fire hoses and first aid kits. It could mean difference between life or death. 