Pet Fire Safety Day will be held on Friday, July 15. As this day approaches we want to share a few tips to help prevent the more than 40,000 pets who are killed each year in house fires. Small steps and awareness can prevent many of these tragedies.
Preventing Pet Fires
- Never leave pets along around an open flame. If your pet is curious or rambunctious, it is best to avoid candles.
- Pet-proof your house or apartment. Keep hazards out of paw’s reach, like flammables or electrical wires that might temp your pet to chew.
- Prevent pets from touching stovetop controls and be aware of pets while in the kitchen.
Planning for your Pet
- Make sure your pet is microchipped or wearing ID in case you get separated during a fire.
- Have an emergency plan with a safe location to take your pet in the event of a fire.
- Designate someone to be responsible for each pet in the event of a fire. If your pet hides, be aware of these locations since it may be the first place they go during a fire.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are functioning properly, and educate your family on fire safety.
- Practice! It sounds silly but going through your safety plan will help you feel more comfortable and can identify issues that are not clear or haven’t been planned for.