Protect Your Pet in a Fire or Other Emergency

As pet owners, we’ll do what it takes to keep our precious furry family members safe.

As pet owners, we’ll do what it takes to keep our precious furry family members safe. Some precautions are pretty standard, like not leaving pets unattended around an open flame. But it doesn’t hurt to brush up on the basics and start thinking about your family’s fire safety plan.

A good fire strategy is made up of three parts: prevention, planning, and practice.

Prevention:

• Cats and dogs alike have been known to hop onto stovetops and accidentally flip stove knobs. To minimize the risk, cover the knobs or remove them completely, if you’re able.
• Electrical wires are not safe chew toys! Even if pets are spoiled for choice when it comes to toys, some just can’t resist the allure of loose wires. Although cats are most often the culprits, even dogs can be guilty parties. To avoid accidents, be sure to keep cables out of sight, store messy cords, and secure any lamps and appliances with tempting wires.
• A house fire can be terrifying for both humans and animals. If a fire breaks out at home, your pooch may retreat to his own dog house in the backyard for safety, so it’s a good idea to keep these shelters away from the family home. Choose a location away from bushes, trees, and other flammable vegetation. The area around the house should also be clear of debris.
• Although candles and tiki torches make beautiful backyard decorations on summer nights, they can be easily tipped over by a pet that’s running, playing, or just wagging their tail. Instead, opt for battery-operated flameless candles, which come in a variety of styles and colors. Some even flicker to simulate the real deal. Plus they’re great to have on hand during a power outage.
• Leaving a bowl of water outside for your pet is a great way to beat the heat. But did you know glass bowls can pose a fire risk? Heat from the sun’s rays may cause the wooden deck beneath to ignite. Use ceramic or stainless steel bowls instead.

Planning:

• Place a pet rescue alert sticker or window cling where firefighters can easily spot it. Be sure to indicate the number of people and pets inside your home.
• If you’re headed to bed or going out, keep pets near an entrance so firefighters can rescue them easily in an emergency. Putting them in a crate or enclosed area, with a leash and carrier nearby, is a smart solution when every second counts.
• Before leaving your pet home alone, block any hiding spots they retreat to when they’re scared so firefighters can easily locate them.
• A traditional battery-operated smoke detector won’t do much good if your pet is home alone. Consider upgrading to a monitored smoke detector that will send you and the nearest fire station an alert should a fire start in your home.
• Whether you have an indoor or outdoor pet, be sure they have proper identification, such as a collar ID tag or microchip, as frightened pets may try to flee a fire. Remember to keep your information updated with your microchip company for quick, happy reunions.

Practice:

• Involve your pet in household fire drills so every member of your family is familiar with the plan.
• A comprehensive fire safety plan should include: determining the safest route, what doors to use as exits, grabbing your pet’s leash or carrier along the way, and planning for the unexpected (such as having to escape out a window).
• You may want to give one family member the responsibility of taking care of the family pet in an emergency. That way you’ll avoid potential chaos or confusion when you’re headed out the door.
• Does your workplace allow pets? Ensure your office performs regular fire drills and has an escape plan in place for humans and pets.

It’s never too late to put together a fire safety strategy. It may make all the difference when it comes to keeping your two- and four-legged family members safe.