Ensuring Pet Safety: Essential Tips for Preventing, Preparing For and Responding to Fires
Jul 17, 2024 | Fiona Tapp
Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Fire safety is a critical concern for all households, but when pets are part of the family, the stakes are even higher. Every year, household fires affect thousands of pets, often with tragic results. In fact, around 40,000 pets die in residential fires each year.1
Understanding how to prevent, prepare for and respond to fires can help ensure the safety of both human and animal family members. Read on to find out how to make an evacuation plan and ensure you have proper identification for all your pets. By addressing these areas, you can create a comprehensive fire safety plan that keeps every member of your household safe.
Preventing Fires Caused by Pets
Pets, in their curious and playful nature, may inadvertently start fires. From knocking over heat sources like candles or chewing on electrical wires, our furry friends are responsible for starting nearly 1,000 fires every year in the United States.2 Implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce this risk.
Secure the home
One of the primary steps in fire prevention is securing your home environment. Walk around each room looking for potential fire hazards. Electrical cords and appliances should be protected from curious pets. Cover or hide electrical cords to prevent chewing, and secure appliances on countertops to avoid their being knocked over. Stovetops are another potential hazard, so remove stove knobs or install protective covers to prevent pets from accidentally turning on the burners. Opt for flameless candles instead of traditional ones to eliminate the risk of a pet knocking over a lit candle.
Pet-proof the home
Beyond securing your home, specific pet-proofing measures are crucial:
- Keep pets away from fireplaces by using screens or gates to block access.
- Ensure heaters are placed where pets cannot knock them over.
- Choose heaters that automatically shut off if tipped over.
- Confine young or active pets with gates or playpens to keep them in safe areas when unsupervised.
- Store flammable items safely and keep matches and lighters in secure, pet-proof locations.
- Avoid using tablecloths that pets can pull on, potentially dragging candles or hot appliances off tables.
- Disconnect appliances when not in use to prevent electrical fires.
By creating a pet-safe environment, you can mitigate many potential fire hazards.
Preparing For a Fire When You Have Pets
Preparation is key to ensuring that you and your pets can evacuate safely if there's a fire.
Develop an evacuation plan
Incorporate your pets into your family's fire evacuation plan. Conduct regular fire drills that include evacuating pets using their carriers or leashes so you'll know how to respond in an emergency. You don't want to be frantically searching for things in the middle of an emergency.
In addition, familiarize yourself with your pets' favorite hiding spots, as frightened animals may hide when they sense danger.3 Knowing these locations can save precious time during an evacuation. Also, have a plan for evacuation during a natural disaster and ensure pet safety during a wildfire.
Fire safety equipment
Equip your home with smoke detectors in key areas, test them regularly and consider a monitored fire alarm system that alerts emergency services directly. You might also consider buying fire blankets and fire extinguishers to keep in your home, especially in the kitchen area.
Keep collars, leashes and carriers readily accessible in case of an emergency. Additionally, have prepacked emergency supplies and traveling kits prepared near your home's exits to grab on your way out.
Identification and information
Ensure that your pets have up-to-date ID tags and microchips to increase the chances of being reunited if they get lost during an evacuation. Display pet rescue alert stickers on windows or doors to inform firefighters about the presence of pets inside your home. Make sure your pet's information is up to date with your insurance company, and consider getting comprehensive emergency coverage for your pet.
Keep important phone numbers in your emergency bag, including your veterinary office in case you need to access pet healthcare while evacuated from your home.4
What To Do During a Fire
Knowing what to do during a fire can mean the difference between life and death for you and your pets.
Immediate actions
If a fire breaks out, try to grab your pets only if it is safe. Do not delay your escape to search for them. Instead, follow your preset evacuation plan routes and methods. If you cannot find your pets quickly, exit the building and inform firefighters immediately.
Communicate with firefighters
Once outside, provide firefighters with detailed information about your pets, including their likely hiding spots and any behaviors they might exhibit under stress. This information can help firefighters locate and rescue your pets more efficiently.
After the fire
After the fire is extinguished, keep your pets away from the fire-damaged home or possessions until authorities declare it safe. Monitor their health closely for signs of smoke inhalation or stress, which can include:5
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased respiratory rate
- Eye redness or squinting
- Changes in barking or meowing sounds
- Excess salivation
Consult a veterinarian or call the Pets Best 24/7 Pet Helpline, which gives you access to veterinary experts day or night, if you have any concerns.
Pets Best Is Here To Help
Integrating pet safety into your overall fire safety practices is essential. By taking preventive measures, preparing for emergencies and knowing how to respond during a fire, you can help protect your beloved pets from harm. Ongoing education and awareness about pet fire safety is crucial.
Take a moment today to pet-proof your home and review and update your fire safety plans to include your pets. Don't forget to involve the whole family so everyone can do their part. While you're at it, make sure your pet insurance plans and policies are up to date. If you do have an emergency, you can call the 24/7 Pet Helpline to get advice from a veterinary expert.
Your proactive steps can make all the difference in keeping your beloved pets safe in the event of a fire. Don't wait—start prioritizing pet fire safety now.
Sources/Citations
1. “Pet Fire Safety," (n.d.), American Humane, https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/pet-fire-safety/
2. "Pet Fire Safety: Protecting Your Pets from Potential Danger," (n.d.), American Red Cross, https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/pet-fire-safety.html
3. "Home Fire Safety: Protect Your Home & Furry Friends," Diana Bello Aristizábal (7/2020), American Red Cross, https://www.redcross.org/local/florida/south-florida/about-us/news-and-events/news/during-pet-fire-safety-and-grilling-safety-month--the-red-cross-.html
4. “Pet disaster preparedness," Bethany W. Adams (n.d.), The Humane Society of the United States, https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/pet-disaster-preparedness
5. “Understanding And Treating Smoke Inhalation In Your Pet," (n.d.), Animal Emergency Care, https://animalemergencycare.net/understanding-and-treating-smoke-inhalation-in-your-pet/