Pet Fire Safety Tips

No one likes to think about the frightening consequences of a home fire, but equipping your house with fire alarms, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms is an excellent first line of defense. 

However, there is more to protecting your home, and more importantly, your loved ones (pets and all) from disaster. Taking every precaution you can will ensure everyone’s safety, and because your pets often stay home without you, this could put your mind at ease while you’re away.

Have A Plan In Place

According to the American Red Cross, there are several ways to protect and prepare your pets if a fire breaks out in or around your home. The first step is to have a plan to get everyone, including your pet, to safety. Have an evacuation route in place, keep in mind where your pup sleeps, and have friends or family your pet can stay with if you need to leave. Focus on improving your furry friend's recall and listening skills so they respond promptly when needed. This will help ensure everyone's safety.

Protect Your Pet From Open Flames & Kitchen Hazards

Whenever you cook or leave the house, check that your stove is off. If your pet likes to jump and is generally curious, covering your stove-top knobs can help prevent them from turning on or knocking them by mistake. If you prefer, you can limit their access to the kitchen while you’re away with a gate, too.

Almost everyone has been around an excitable animal, but sometimes tails or paws can turn excitement into chaos. If you have a dog (or cat) that likes to run and play and knocks items over in the process, it may be worth investing in faux candles (battery-operated or rechargeable) to reduce the risk of a fire. These look just as nice as regular candles, but fur is safer around them, and if they do get overturned, you don’t have a possible fire hazard on your hands.

Turn Off Appliances And Keep Your Pet Safe With Alert Cards

A common practice that shouldn’t happen is leaving a dryer on when you’re not home. Turning it off reduces the risk of a fire, as these machines can cause hazardous situations if left unattended. Too much lint can block your pipes, the trap, or the vent.

When you go out, try to keep pets near entrances so firefighters can reach them in an emergency. Another great tip is to place Pet Alert cards in your windows to inform responders how many pets are inside. These cards are essential if you're not home, ensuring all your furry friends can be rescued. You can find Pet Alert cards on Amazon or Chewy, providing peace of mind while you're at work or away from home.