5 Fire Safety Tips to Protect Your Four-Legged Family Members

About 40,000 pets die every year in home fires. Here’s how to keep your furry friends safe

From the LifeMinute.TV Team

July 15, 2023

When it comes to home fires, you can never be too prepared. Every year around 40,000 pets die in home fires, so it is crucial to have a plan in place to keep your animals safe. In honor of National Pet Fire Safety Day on July 15, here are five steps to take to protect your pets.

Pet Proof Your Home
The best way to protect pets is to prevent fires in the first place. To do so, keep your animals away from fireplaces, candles, lamps, stove knobs, loose wires, and space heaters. Instead of using traditional candles, swap them out for flameless ones. When it comes to the fireplace, train your pets to stay away. Always supervise your pet when you have a fire going, and use the protective metal screen or glass door to keep your pet away from the flames. Avoid putting decorations on or near the mantle where cats can jump up and knock into the fire. Store a working fire extinguisher nearby.

Monitor Smoke Detectors
Consider monitored smoke detectors connected to a monitoring center so emergency responders can be contacted if you’re not home. These systems provide another layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms and will give you peace of mind when leaving pets at home.

Know the Drill
Always include your pets in your family’s fire drill. Keep animal carriers and leashes by the door to quickly bring pets out of the home in case of a fire, and make sure everyone in your family knows where they are. Next to those items, you may also want to include an emergency kit or evacuation pack, including food, water, medication, and a photo of your pet in case you get separated. When not at home, keep pets in an easily accessible room where firefighters can find them, especially when visibility is low.

Note It
If a fire does occur, especially when you’re not at home, it is paramount to have a sticker notifying authorities that you have pets inside your home. Put the Pet Alert Sticker where firefighters will see it‍, like the front windows of your house by the door. You can order stickers online on Amazon or fill out the ASPCA’s online order form, where you can list the number of animals you have and their names, and they will send some to you.

Check Hidden Spots
Pets often find cozy and concealed hiding spots to lie down in throughout the house, especially cats. Be aware of your pet’s favorite in case of an emergency. Knowing where your pet may be inside the home can save crucial time locating them in the event of a fire.