Kid with Dog by Fireplace

10 Tips on Pet Fire Safety

Fire Restoration

House fires can be a traumatic experience for homeowners and pets alike. Here’s how pet owners can learn safety measures to protect their furry family members safe in the event of a fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an estimated 500,000 pets are affected annually by house fires. Interestingly, they are also responsible for starting 1,000 fires each year.

Fire Safety For Pets

For that reason, it’s important to know how to prevent pets from starting fires, as well as how to protect them from fires. We have compiled the following fire safety guidelines to safeguard your beloved pet against the dangers of house fires. 

Prevention

  • Detach stove knobs. A stovetop is the most common source of pet-related house fires. block off access to the kitchen if possible. if not and your canine or feline companion can reach your countertops, you should remove the stove knobs when you leave the room.
  • Put out any open flames. Pets are prone to exploring their environment, which may feature open flames from candles, cooking appliances, and fireplaces. It is imperative to extinguish open flames if your pet is present.  
  • Utilize flameless candles. Flameless candles are much less likely to cause a fire hazard. They are considered a safer option in households with agitated or frazzled pets. 
  • Secure Cords. Electrical cords can sometimes be seen by your dog as a chew toy. When damaged, they can spark and cause electrocution or a fire. Secure any cords and hide them behind furniture or other obstructions to keep them out of chewing distance.
  • Secure the fireplace. A fireplace is a potential source for a pet-related house fire. A fire can burn out of control if a tiny spark or a piece of coal lands in your pet’s fur or on the carpet. Always supervise your pet when they are near a fireplace. 

Unfortunately, disaster can still strike. For that reason, pet owners should always be prepared in the event of a fire. Your pet safety matters and pets cannot survive on their own during an emergency so it’s up to you to keep them safe. Discuss with your family who will be in charge of rescuing your pet in the event of a fire. Planning and practicing fire drills will help the family remain calm and help ensure that your pets are not forgotten during a chaotic evacuation.

Preparation

  • Leave your pets in an accessible location. Pets should be kept near entrances when there’s nobody at home. Leashes should be kept at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue the dog. If a fire has broken out and you are not home, firefighters will have easy access to your pets. 
  • Attach a static window cling to a front window. On the static window cling, write down the number of pets inside your home, and include a list of your pet’s hiding places. This information will assist firefighters in locating your pets faster in an emergency.
  • Practice your fire escape plan. Be sure to include your pets in your escape plan when practicing your escape route. If your home allows, build a doggy door for your pet so they can escape quickly.
  • Secure the surrounding area. If you have outdoor pets or keep livestockclear any brush, bushes, or other highly flammable vegetation that might catch fire around the housing and pens. 
  • Update ID Tags on pets’ collars. Collars should have current, phone number, address, and microchip number if applicable. Even indoors it’s important pets wear collars with up-to-date ID tags attached; In case they escape on their own during an emergency or disaster. This way they can be identified as soon as possible to be reunited or rescued.

These helpful tips can ensure your peace of mind when it comes to protecting your pet from house fires. More emergency preparedness tips for pets can be found in This Article and for a list of items for a pet emergency kit Click Here.

For any fire emergencies or clean up you may have, we can handle kitchen or electrical fire clean up. Contact the PuroClean professionals for immediate fire and smoke damage restoration. We are available 24/7 to assist you. To connect with the Stevens Point PuroClean office, please call (715) 321-2526. 

Last edited on 25th of July 2022