3 Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe During a Fire

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Are you prepared to help your animal friends if a fire strikes?

Three Fire Safety Tips for Your Pets

When people are asked what they would save in the event of a fire emergency, family members and pets are always at the top of the list. Are you prepared to help your animal friends if a fire strikes? Here are the tips you need.

1. Have an Evacuation Plan

Your pets are part of the family. Include them in the family disaster plan. You can:

• Teach commands
  
• Have a transport crate ready to go
  
• Keep leash and harness accessible
  
• Have extra food, water, and medicine ready
  
• When away from home, keep pets near exits
  
  

Pet preparation includes teaching animals to come when called and having their essentials ready to go. Also, think about how to best evacuate them out of windows and doors.

2. Make Your Pets Known to First Responders

Unfortunately, sometimes you won't be able to tell firefighters or other responders about pets trapped inside. For this reason, it's best to make it clear now, before anything even happens. A "Beware of Dog" sign may be enough if you have one dog in the home. If there are more pets of different types, it's best to attach a window cling or sticker. You can write the number of animals in your home on the pet alert. First responders will know to look for this as well.

3. Prevent Pets From Starting a Fire

You can sometimes stop a fire emergency from happening in the first place. Loveable pets can, unfortunately, cause fires, as certain things left unattended around animals can be a fire hazard. Consider:

• Getting flameless candles
  
• Replacing easy-to-reach stove knobs
  
• Containing electrical cords
  
• Extinguishing open flames
  
  

Younger puppies and kittens especially are prone to chewing on things or knocking them over. This is another reason why training is crucial for pet safety.
Now you are prepared to keep your pets safe in a fire emergency. Keep in mind that fire damage can make structures unsafe to enter. If you have a house, condo, or apartment with pets in Baytown, TX, local fire damage assessment along with these tips can keep all of you safe, even after the fire occurs.