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Protect Your Pets From House Fires

Dog near fireplace

 

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), about 500,000 pets are affected by house fires every year. National Pet Fire Safety Day (July 15) aims to educate pet owners about how to keep their pets safe from house fires.

Here are some tips from AKC and the American Red Cross on keeping your pet safe:

  1. Don’t leave open flames unattended.
    Never leave an open flame, such as a fire, candle, or stove burner, unattended. Protect your pets and your home by completely extinguishing open flames before you leave. (Tip: Try flameless candles, which use a light bulb instead of an open flame.)
  2. Supervise your pets around hot surfaces.
    When using heat-producing appliances like a kitchen stove, keep a close eye on your pets. Consider removing stove knobs or installing knob covers to prevent curious pets from accidentally turning on your stove. According to the American Red Cross, stove knobs are the top piece of equipment involved when pets start house fires.
  3. Pet-proof your home.
    Inspect your home for pet safety hazards, like loose wires or electrical cords.
  4. Keep cleaning supplies out of reach.
    Many household chemicals are highly flammable. Keep curious pets away by storing your chemicals in an upper cabinet or with child safety locks.
  5. Secure your pets when you aren’t home.
    Use a crate or baby gate to prevent your pets from fire hazards when you’re away. If possible, keep your pets near an entrance so firefighters can get to them easily in an emergency.
  6. Apply window clings to alert first responders to pets.
    These indicate the number and types of pets inside your house. Attach one to a front window so firefighters know how many pets need rescuing.
  7. Involve your pets in household fire drills.
    Create a fire escape plan and practice it regularly. Involve all household members, including pets. Keep leashes and critical supplies in a designated space that’s easily accessible if you need to evacuate.
  8. Install monitored smoke detectors. These are connected to a monitoring center, which can alert you if there’s a home fire. This is especially useful if you frequently leave your pet at home while you’re away.

 

By taking these simple precautions, you can rest easy knowing your pets and home are safe.

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