According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half a million pets are affected by house fires annually. Approximately 800 of those fires are started by pets themselves. Careful cat moms and diligent dog dads can help to keep their furry family members safe by following a few important tips.
Keep pets away from open flames and other hot objects such as lamps, space heaters and cooking equipment. Curious pets may try to inspect them and accidentally knock them over which can lead to both injury and fire. Never leave a lit flame unattended in any room in your home. If possible, consider using flameless candles.
Remove knobs from your stove when you’re not using them or use protective covers. That way dogs scrounging for food or cats looking for a foothold while leaping will not accidentally turn on your burners.
Keep an eye on pets to make sure that they don’t chew through electrical cords. If you do find cords that look like they’ve been chewed on by your pet, replace them and move them to a location where your pets cannot get to them.
Outside on wooden decks, glass water bowls can heat up and, like a magnifying glass, actually start a fire. Look into replacing them with metal or plastic bowls.
Make your fireplace a pet-free zone, keeping your pets at least three feet away. Remember that chimney vents that are located outdoors can get very hot and you should keep your pets away from those as well.
Secure your pets when you’re away from home. This can help avoid fire hazards. Pet kennels or a pet-proofed room are good options.
Include your pets in your family evacuation plan. This can be as easy as packing a small, lightweight kit for each pet that includes food, medicine, medical records and other essentials. Don’t forget to bring enough water for them to drink as well.
If you do experience a home fire and head to safety outside, do not go back inside to retrieve your pet. This is difficult advice for passionate pet parents to follow because our cats and dogs are furry members of our families. But if you are able to bring your pets out with you as you exit without risking your own safety, do so! Keep your leashes, collars and cat carriers near the entrance of your home to save time. But don’t spend additional time trying to get them out – it’s safer to inform the firefighters arriving on the scene of what pets might still be in the home.
Think about putting in a pet door. Pets have great instincts and will flee danger if possible. Installing a pet door will allow them the opportunity to get themselves out.
An additional note: Make sure your pets are microchipped. If they escape on their own, it’ll make it easier to reunite them with you!
by EJ Villamaino, Firefighter, David Crockett Fire Department
