National Pet & Fire Safety Day observed every year on July 15th, highlights helping to keep pets from starting fires and keeping them safe in case of one. It is not a subject one often thinks of, focusing more on their health, grooming, nutrition, and playtime. We all know it is both a privilege and a responsibility to have these creatures to love and who love us in return. Most pets hold the same status as any other family member and therefore, we should be ready for any emergency that involves them as well.
Did you know that each year, about 1,000 home fires are started by pets? Here are some recommendations to help prevent this occurrence and keep Fido, Kitty, and Polly safe:
Cover or remove stove knobs and buttons when away. Both cats and dogs can accidentally turn on a stove during horseplay or curiosity.
Use flameless candles. Pets’ tails are infamous for knocking things over.
Use plastic bowls outdoors for water. Glass bowls can magnify the sun’s rays and may start a fire. Metal bowls are just too hot.
Never leave an open flame unattended. Fireplaces should always have a fire screen, candles substituted for flameless, gas stoves off when not actively cooking, fire pits with covers, etc. Pets are naturally curious about flickering or dancing flames. When leaving an area, all flames should be extinguished.
Secure electrical cords. Dogs and cats love to chew on cords, which can expose wires and create a potential electrical or fire hazard. Roll up excess cables and stow them in cord boxes, cable sleeves, or with straps and try to put them out of reach of animals (under or behind furniture and equipment).
Keep animals secure when away from home. Using doggie doors, baby gates, or oversized animal crates to keep especially younger animals in safer areas in the home without potential hazards.
Have pet alert stickers affixed to the exterior windows or doors. These alert first responders that a pet is inside the home should an emergency occur. Make sure it lists how many and what type(s) of animals there are. Dogs and cats should have collars on when left alone in case a responder needs to catch the animal to take them to safety. Birds should be secured in their cages when left alone.
Keep a pet carrier cage handy. In the event of a fire or other emergency, always have a cage easily accessible to put your pet in to evacuate with you. The ASPCA also suggests doing some run-throughs with your pets placing them in cages so they get used to the routine and don’t panic during the stress of an actual emergency and run and hide.
Keep important numbers on your Smartphones. Microchip numbers are essential in identifying your animals and often getting them reuniting them with their owners, should they escape in an emergency. Also, keep a photo of your pets. Have both your vet and a 24-hour vet’s number available. You may not be able to keep your pet with you in an emergency, and you may have to find a shelter for them. If they are injured, you will want to seek medical care for them immediately as well. Numerous Smartphone apps allow you to store and access their medical records and other information. The ASPCA also recommends having a Lost Pet flyer already made and stored on your computer with photos and information in case a pet escapes during an emergency.
Stash an emergency kit for them. Have a bag stored in the garage or your car with an extra leash, water and food bowls, toys, blanket, medications, or whatever else they may need during temporary displacement.
Install smoke detectors. If you don’t already have them, get them. Protect both your pets and your family.
Prevention is the key to avoiding many emergencies, but being prepared is also paramount, should a fire occur. It may take a little effort initially, but once it’s done, you’re ready for any eventuality. You can then be confident that there are some items you won’t have to worry about should an emergency arrive allowing you to focus on other matters, and you may even be able to prevent them from happening.
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