Back in 2009, the American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services declared that July 15th of every year would be dedicated to educating pet owners on how to take steps to prevent fires in their homes as well as prepare for unexpected emergencies with their pets. This day reminds us that our fur-babies are part of the family and should be considered when planning fire routes and safety within our homes. 

According to a data analysis by the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 500,000 pets are affected annually by home fires and nearly 1,000 house fires are accidentally started by homeowners’ pets. Taking preventable measures can help protect your home and pets, which is why we at Going Mutts Pet Services, LLC have put together 10 safety tips for pet owners to consider when it comes to fire and pet safety!

1. Watch out for open flames. Your pet is a curious creature, so they will naturally want to explore everything around them, especially something that is creating fire. Watch out for dogs with wagging tails near candles and kitties swatting at sizzling grease.
   

2. Watch your oven knobs. If your pet can get to the countertop on their hind legs, think about removing or getting something to cover the knobs on your stove. Pets can easily turn a knob on unintentionally when they stick their paws up on the counter and could potentially start a fire.
   

3. Consider going flameless. Think about converting to flameless candles for a power outage instead of real candles to help keep the open flame away from your pet. This way if a candle gets knocked over, there is no harm with the flameless ones.
   

4. Use your entrance as a storage hub. Store leashes and collars near the entrance of your home and have your pets stay in the main living area when you are away. This can help with a quick rescue if something were to happen.
   

5. Window clings can save lives. Fire alert window clings can help alert firefighters to how many pets you have and where they might be located. Add one to the window of the room you keep your pets in when you’re away with an updated number of pets and your phone number.
   

6. Make a plan. Have a plan when you are home and know which family member will be responsible for which pet to get out. 
   

7. Pet proof your home. Pet proof your home by walking around to make sure all loose wires and other potential hazards are fixed or out of the way of your pets. Electrical cords can be seen as a chew toy for your dog and when they spark, they can cause electrocution or a fire. Secure all cords and hide them behind furniture or other obstructions. 
   

8. Watch out for glass bowls. Never put a glass bowl on your wooden deck or porch - the sun’s rays can heat the bowl and cause a fire on your wooden deck. Alternatives to glass bowls are ceramic or stainless steel dishes when your pet is outside.
   

9. Find the hiding spots. Be observant of where your pets like to nap or hide. This is important in the event that you must evacuate your home quickly. Remember that pets can sense stress and during an evacuation, it may take time to persuade or get your pet to come with you, so try to have a plan ahead of time on how to quickly scoop up your pet to get out quickly. 
   

10. Prepare emergency supplies and traveling kits. When an emergency strikes, it's always a good idea to have some supplies already together for something quick to grab. Make sure all pets collars and tags are up-to-date with information as well as making sure your pet carrier has your information on it in case you get separated. Store an emergency kit as close to an exit as possible for easy access to it. Make sure the kit is labeled clearly and is easy to carry. Here are some items to include in your emergency kit:

• Pet first-aid kit

• 3-7 days worth of canned or dry pet food

• Disposable litter trays

• Litter or paper toweling

• Disposable garbage bags for clean up

• Liquid dish soap and disinfectant

• Pet feeding dishes and water bowls

• Extra collar or harness as well as an extra leash

• Photocopies or USB of medical records and a waterproof container with any pet medications. (Remember: medications and food need to be rotated out of your emergency kit so they don’t go bad.)

• At least seven days’ worth of bottled water for each person and pet

• A traveling bag, crate or carrier for each pet

• Flashlight

• Blanket

• Recent photos of your pets (in case you get separated and need to make lost posters)
  

Staying up-to-date on keeping your house safe and taking preventable measures for fires can help everyone underneath your roof, including our favorite four-legged friends. Knowing how to include your pets and what is needed to keep them safe will help give you more peace of mind; so take this day (and multiple others throughout the year) to review plans, scope out escape routes and have the essentials stashed somewhere convenient for an emergency. While we would love to all have the best case scenario happen, we need to make sure that we have a plan for everyone in the house in the event that the worst case scenario would occur.

Safety is a top priority for us at Going Mutts Pet Services, LLC when it comes to caring for and walking your favorite furry friends. We would love to give you some peace of mind while you’re at the office or out of the house for the day by giving your pup a daily walk and playtime. Contact us for a FREE Meet ‘n Greet to help customize a walk or playtime that is just right for your pup!

Sources:

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-pet-fire-safety-day-july-15/