The American Kennel Club (AKC) established National Pet Fire Safety Day – observed annually on July 15 – to remind pet owners to consider their pets when planning fire prevention measures and emergency actions in case of fire at home. According to the AKC, around 500,000 pets are affected by home fires every year.

Because many pet owners consider their furry (and not-so-furry) companions to be valued family members, it makes sense to ensure they are protected from house fires and not left behind during an emergency escape.

A fire in your home can spread quickly, leaving you and your family just one to two minutes to escape safely. Add pets into the mix, and your precious time could be shortened.

“Regardless of how much you love your pets, YOUR safety comes first in any emergency,” said Shelley Uhlir, MSN, RN, director of the Aultman Emergency Department. “You should never endanger yourself or others to rescue a pet. This is why it is so important to be prepared for emergencies. The better prepared you are, the higher the chance you will be able to evacuate without having to leave your pets behind.”

Pet Fire Safety

Follow these guidelines to protect your pets from fire danger:

• Make sure that young pets, especially puppies, are secured away from fire hazards when you leave them home alone. Pet-proof your home by securing loose wires, stove knobs and other potential hazards.
• Use monitored smoke detectors.
• Know the places your pets like to hide when stressed.
• Remember to include your pets when practicing escape routes with your family.
• Keep a collar on your dog and put leashes and cat carriers in an easy-to-access spot near an exit point so that you can grab them on your way out.
• Put pet alert stickers on each side of your house or one in every apartment window.

Fire Escape Plan

Keep these tips in mind when creating a fire escape plan:

• Include your entire household in creating the plan. Determine who will be responsible for securing pets and leading them to safety.
• Choose an outdoor meeting area.
• Walk through your home and identify two exits from every room.
• Make sure your address is clearly visible from the street.
• Be prepared to exit immediately if you hear your smoke alarm.
• Never return to a burning building. Once you are outside, stay out.

If you have not created a family fire plan, take this opportunity to draw up a plan and practice with your pets. A little planning can save the entire family, including your furry friends, from harm.

Sources:
American Kennel Club
National Fire Protection Association