In grade school, we’re all taught to take preventative measures to ensure an adequate amount of fire safety in our homes. We’re all well aware of the classic “stop, drop, and roll” routine but what about our pets?
Fire safety is essential for pets as well! After all, 40,000 pets are killed in house fires every year. While it may not be the very first thing we think about concerning fire safety, there are precautions that we should take specifically for our furry friends. Today, we’ll be going over a few of these fire safety measures so that you can keep your pets safe.
Never Leave Your Pet Alone with Fire Hazards
Even the most well-behaved pets in the world shouldn’t be left alone for extended periods. This is especially true in the case of open flames. While it may seem harmless to leave your pet alone for a quick trip to the store, even small candles can present dangers.
A rowdy pet, such as a puppy or kitten, could easily run into or knock over a candle. If you aren’t home to see this happen, that small candle can turn into a fiery blaze in no time. It’s best practice to avoid leaving your pets alone. If there are fire hazards around, such as a lit candle, they should be taken care of before leaving your home.
Pet-Proof Your Home
Electrical wiring is found throughout your home, and an especially curious pet may see these wires as harmless playthings. With a little chewing and rough-housing, your pet can create an extreme electrical hazard which can then cause an electrical fire.
Make sure that any electrical wiring/appliances are well out of the reach of your pets. Before bringing home a new pet, take the time to address any possible dangers that could cause a fire if your pet got their paws on it.
Have an Emergency Plan
Having an emergency plan in place is a great way to ensure the safety of your family and your pets. Start laying out your fire emergency plan by taking note of all exits in your home. In the worst-case scenario, it’s essential that you’ll be able to reach the closest exit with your pet as quickly as possible.
You should also be sure to have the necessary supplies available to get your pet out of harm’s way as quickly as possible. Have your dog’s leash in a place of easy access and if you have a cat, make sure their carrier is always nearby and ready.
Microchip Your Pet
In unexpected emergencies, it’s easy to get separated from your pet- especially if you have kids to worry about. This is very common, and by having your pet microchipped, you can make it easier to find your pet if you become separated during an emergency.
Talk to your vet about getting your pet microchipped. This means that no matter where they end up, you’ll be able to locate them and reunite them with you and your family.
Make Sure Your Smoke Detectors Work
Smoke detectors are one of the first indicators of a fire, and it’s essential to make sure that yours are in proper working order. While you may be tempted to rely on you (or your pet’s) sense of smell in the event of a fire, a smoke detector can make sure that you and your entire family are alerted when trouble is brewing. Make sure to perform regular maintenance checks on every smoke detector in your home to make sure you’re always ready!
Keep Dangers Out of Reach
Unfortunately, we can’t explain the dangers of fire hazards to our animals, and any means of fire safety education are out of the question. This means the responsibility lies solely upon you to keep fire hazards out of the reach of your animal.
Your kitchen is likely the most dangerous place for your pet to be with respect to fire hazards. Make sure that your pet is unable to reach anything cooking on the stovetop and be mindful of what they’re doing when they’re in the kitchen. One misstep could spell tragedy.
For more tips on how to keep your pets safe and happy, make an appointment with our team at Millennium City Veterinary Hospital today!