Pets And Fire Safety in the Home

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Every year, 500,000 pets suffer from smoke inhalation and 40,000 lose their lives in home fires. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are started by family pets. As many pet parents know first hand, pets may become unsettled or anxious once a smoke alarm sounds, hiding rather than exiting. Pets who are already prone to anxiety when a smoke alarm sounds may become even more so when their owners are not at home. There are some simple safety tips that can make a big impact in protecting your family and pets. Like with human children, homes most often require pet proofing. Stove knobs and hot appliances can be knocked over or turned on by curious pets. Never leave a lit candle within reach of a pet. Consider attaching a decal to a window near entrances to let rescuers know how many animals are inside. Make sure to include your pets in your fire escape plan. Stay aware of their typical hiding spots and where they often nap in case you must evacuate quickly. And finally, when you leave home, consider confining them to a certain area to make it easier for first responders to remove them quickly.