According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost 1,000 fires are accidentally started by a homeowner’s pet, and nearly 500,000 pets are affected annually by fire.
The American Kennel Association recommends that you:
• Extinguish open flames. Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles or even a fire in your fireplace. Do not leave your pet unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
• Remove stove knobs. Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with child-proof covers before leaving the house. According to the National Fire Protection Association, exploring a stove or cook top is the No. 1 way your pet can start a fire.
• Secure wires and cords. Cats are especially interested in playing with anything that looks like string. Keep electrical wires and power cords secured and out of reach.
• Invest in flameless candles. These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.
• Secure young pets. Keep them away – in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas – from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home.
Plan for home fires, both when you are home and when your pets are home alone.
• Have your pets wear their collars and tags. In addition, have leashes ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
• Have monitored smoke detectors. Since pets left alone cannot escape a burning house, detectors that are connected to a monitoring center can alert emergency responders. These systems provide an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms.
REMEMBER: Once Out, Stay Out
Remember to escape first and then notify the fire department using the 9-1-1 system or proper local emergency number in your area. Never go back into a burning building for any reason. Teach children not to hide from firefighters. If someone is missing, or pets are trapped inside your home, tell the firefighters right away. They are equipped to perform rescues safely.
