National Pet Fire Safety Day

Posted in Safety Tips on July 10, 2018

July 15^th, was National Pet Fire Safety Day. When practicing fire drills, pets are often overlooked but still need to be considered when an unexpected fire takes place.

Many times, pets can create a serious fire with a mix of their curiousness and a small candle (or other open flames). With wagging tails and batting paws, they tend not not to be cautious or aware of their surroundings. In 2009, The Kennel Club partnered with ADT Security to raise awareness of pets and house fires.

A few tips to prevent pets from causing fires include:

• Extinguish open flames.
• Remove stove knobs when not in use to avoid gas from being turned on.
• Use flameless candles or have other forms of back-up lighting when the power goes out.
• If you have glass water bowls on an exterior wooden deck, change it out with plastic or metal. Glass bowls can heat up to where they can start a fire.

People often think having a pet fire safety window cling is enough to save their pet in the event of a house fire, when realistically, these decals are ignored or unseen. “Help My Pet” decals are a good idea but are often useless if the information on the decal is not correct or up to date. First responders see these more as a “boy that cried wolf” scenario since the sticker could be out of date or could have been placed on the window by a previous tenant, potentially leaving them looking for a pet that des not exist. It’s best to calmly describe your pets to first responders and if they have any hiding spots in the house.

This national awareness day is important to help keep your pets from starting accidental fires, develop an in case of emergency plan, and make rescuers aware of any pets. Take extra precautions around your pets when there is an open flame. When creating an emergency plan, make sure someone is designated to get any pets out of the house and be able to list where your pet tends to lounge or hide to make their rescue a little easier.