Tips to Keeping Your Pets Safe From House Fires

7/6/2023 (Permalink)

Saturday, July 15th is National Pet Fire Safety Day! It is important to include your furry family members into your emergency plan should a fire ever occur. You want to make sure they know their way out of the house during an emergency.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the United States, an estimated 500,000 pets are affected by house fires annually, with a significant number suffering injuries or losing their lives. Here are some tips to keeping your pets safe during a fire emergency:

1. Develop a clear and well-rehearsed evacuation plan that includes your pets. designate a meeting point outside where everyone, including your pets, can gather safely.
2. Display pet alert window stickers: 
3. Ensure that your pets wear collars with identification tags at all times.
4. Pets can accidentally knock over candles, lamps, or space heaters, causing fires.
5. Consider installing pet-specific fire alarms or detectors that can detect the unique frequencies of a pet's distress call.
6. Take steps to minimize the risk of fires in your home. Don't leave pets unattended near open flames or hot appliances.
7. Include essential supplies for your pets in an emergency kit, such as food, water, medications, and copies of vaccination records. Keep this kit easily accessible in case of an evacuation.
8. Inform neighbors or nearby friends: 
9. During a fire emergency, pets may become frightened and seek hiding spots. Be aware of their favorite hiding places and inform firefighters or rescue personnel about their likely locations. 

Show some love to your pets and make sure they are ready to escape during or following an emergency. Call SERVPRO Team Paparone immediately following any fire damage restoration services. We are HERE TO HELP® 24/7.