Northtowns Pet Blog: Fire Safety Month: Protect Your Pets | Pets

It is estimated that about 500,000 pets are affected by house fires each year. Find out how to keep your animals safe with these tips.

While people often think of fires occurring in hot, dry months, the chance of house fires actually increases during the cooler months with the use of heaters, candles, fireplaces, wood stoves and holiday lights.

“To lose a family pet under any circumstances is devastating. To lose a pet in a fire is beyond words,” says Roseann Trezza, Executive Director, Associated Humane Societies/Popcorn Park. “Firefighters will attempt to save family pets, but they need to have an idea of where they are in the house and if there are pets at all.” 

To help protect you and your pets in case of a fire, Associated Humane Societies offers the following tips: 

• Ensure house numbers are clearly visible so that firefighters can find your home.
• Place an updated pet emergency alert decal on your door or window so that fire fighters are aware of the number of and types of animals in your home.
• Install Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. It’s the single most important way to alert you and your loved ones of a hazardous condition. Place them on each level of your house. If you are unable to afford one, contact your local fire department who will sometimes donate the devices.
• A knocked over candle can ignite an entire house in a matter of moments. Consider opting for the many beautiful flameless candles now available.
• If you do have candles, keep burning candles out of the reach of pets and children and never leave burning candles unattended.
• Check for loose wires and watch out for wire-chewers. Some curious cats, dogs and even rabbits will chew on electrical wires. Protect the wires or make them inaccessible.
• Make sure holiday lights and other electric appliances are turned off and unplugged before leaving the house.
• Keep the clothes dryer lint-free and take extra precautions when drying foam-backed rugs, athletic shoes and other non-cloth items.
• If you leave the house without your pets, keep them in areas or rooms that are near entrances where firefighters will find them.
• Keep collars and leashes where you can easily grab them if you need to evacuate your home. Make sure your dog or cat is wearing proper identification or is microchipped. In case he or she runs out the door your chances are much better of having your pet safely returned to you.

Article from DogChannel.com

Laura Stauffiger is the proprietor of Laura's Critter Care, an in your home pet sitting and dog walking service in Amherst, and a member of Pet Sitters International and PetSitUSA. For more information visit her website or send an Email.