Showing posts with label pet proof home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pet proof home. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 15, 2014

"National Pet Fire Safety Day" July 15, 2014


The National Fire Protection Association estimates that each year over 500,000 pets are impacted by house fires.  In the effort to increase awareness,  July 15th has been designated National Pet Fire Safety Day. The goal is to educate pet owners to the dangers of an unexpected emergencies, such as a fire,  and to help plan for the safety of their pets.  

Here are tips from the American Kennel Club to keep your pet 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.
  • 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.
  • Use Monitored Smoke Detection Services - As an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms, smoke detectors connected to a monitoring center help save pets who can't escape when left home alone.