According to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), “An estimated 500,000 pets are affected annually by home fires, and a new data analysis by the National Fire Protection Association shows that nearly 1,000 house fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners’ pets.”
Below are some preventative measures you as a pet owner can take to keep your pets from causing a fire and what to do in case an accidental fire should occur.
Tips for Preventing Your Pet from Starting a Fire
1. Keep a close eye on your pet when there are
open flames in the house
Pets are curious by nature and can often be rambunctious;
especially during their younger years. A lit candle could cause havoc should
your pet run into the table and accidentally knock it over. Cooking appliances
and fire places are also areas in a pet’s detective radar, so be sure to
monitor them closely and make sure to extinguish open flames before leaving
home.
2. Remove Stove Knobs
According to NVFC, a “stove or cook top is the number one
piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.” Stove knobs should
always be removed or covered so your pet can’t tamper with them while you’re
out of the house.
3. Use Flameless Candles
Flameless candles omit light through a light bulb instead of
an open flame. This will allow for a dim and relaxing ambiance without
the risk of your pet knocking over the candle and starting a fire.
4. Pet Proof your
home
Examine your home for things that may enable your pet
to accidentally start a fire such as loose wires and other potential hazards.
Ways to Ensure Your Pet is Safe Incase of a
Fire
1. Keep pets near an
accessible exit area while away from homeWhen leaving your pets home alone, be sure to keep them in areas that are easily accessible so firefighters can easily find and rescue them.
2. Secure young pets
Keep young pets, such as puppies and kittens confined in a secure location away from any possible fire hazards. Using crates and cages or keeping pets behind baby gates in a secure accessible area are great options.
3. Practice Pet Fire Drills
Pre-plan a few different ‘pet friendly’ escape routes and run through some mock fire drills with your pet so that you and members of your household are familiar with different escape routes. It’s also a good idea to keep collars and leashes in a visible and easily assessable area in case you have to evacuate with your pet on the fly or firefighters need to rescue your pet.
Battery-operated smoke detectors are useful when you’re home; but what about when you’re not. Monitored smoke detectors can save pets lives when they are home alone and unable to escape.
5. Display a pet alert window decal
Display a pet alert window decal on your window. These decals let firefighters know that pets are in the house. On the decal, be sure to include the number and types of pets in the home, in addition to your veterinarian’s name and phone number.
Display a pet alert window decal on your window. These decals let firefighters know that pets are in the house. On the decal, be sure to include the number and types of pets in the home, in addition to your veterinarian’s name and phone number.
