National Pet Fire Safety Day

3 Steps to Get Ready for a Fire Emergency at Home

July 15 is National Pet Fire Safety Day. There are three important steps to fire safety, and we’ll give you tips for each of them:

1. Preventing a fire
2. Preparing for a fire
3. During a fire

Shockingly, about 40,000 pets die in residential fires each year. Let’s work together to save our pets through prevention, preparation and planning.

National Pet Fire Safety Day: Prevention

Some of tips for National Pet Fire Safety Day are pretty obvious, but some you may not have thought of. Take our checklist around your home and property to see what changes you may want to make.

• Don’t leave candles or fireplaces burning unattended: pets can knock candles over or knock things into the fireplace. Consider using flameless candles
• Remove or put locks on stove knobs: curious pets have been known to turn on the stove
• Keep electrical cords away from pets or use cord protectors: it’s a fire and electrocution hazard if your pet chews on cords
• Check for loose electrical wires of any sort: call an electrician to fix any problems
• Don’t use water bowls on wooden decks: they act like a magnifying glass in the sun
• Don’t leave a fire burning unattended in a fire pit: this is dangerous for any homeowner, whether they have pets or not

National Pet Fire Safety Day: Preparation

The #1 most important preparation step for fire safety is to make sure you have working smoke detectors and to test them every month. They should be installed on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Monitored smoke detectors are an option, too. When they go off, the fire department is notified and will respond.

Include your pet in your family’s emergency plan. Twice a year, practice an escape plan with your children and pets– this includes knowing where your pets may be hiding or sleeping if a fire starts at night. Also, pack an emergency pet supply bag that contains:

• Food and water bowls
• Food
• Collar and leash or carrier
• A supply of any medications your pet needs

This bag could be useful during any emergency, and it should be kept near a door that’s part of your escape plan.

While the Red Cross helps people with temporary housing, they can’t help pets. Make a plan for where you pet would stay if your home is uninhabitable. Ask friends or relatives if they would consider being an emergency contact for your pets.

Get a Free Pet Safety Pack from ASPCA

Part of pet fire safety preparation is alerting first responders that you have pets. Pet rescue decals give a clear indication of the number and types of pets in your home. The ASPCA will send you a free pet safety pack just for signing up its email newsletter. Included are:

• Pet rescue window sticker
• Pet rescue door sticker
• Poison Control Center magnet with phone number

National Pet Fire Safety Day: During an Emergency

Hopefully, you’ll never experience the dangers of a house fire. But if you do, here’s what to know for pet fire safety. The American Red Cross has this critical warning:

“If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.”

On your way out of the house:

• If you can’t find your pet quickly, leave and let responders search your home. They are equipped with the right training and safety gear.
• Grab your emergency pet supply bag (or leashes/carries by the door as you exit)
• If your pet is still inside, open all doors that you can and call to them
• Tell responders about any pets or people who may remain in the house

This month, let’s take fire safety seriously. A little prevention and preparation can save a lot of lives.