How To Keep Your Pets Safe In Case Of Fire

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Does your family fire plan include rescuing your pets?

Approximately 500,000 pets are affected by house fires each year and, unfortunately, 40,000 die due to fires. Many house fires are caused by pets, especially when left home alone. The following lists are tips to help prevent any accidental blaze started by your pets and for keeping your pets safe in the event there is a fire in your home.

Prevent Pets From Starting A Fire

• Beware of candles and other open flames. Dogs and cats are curious creatures and may take interest in a flickering flame. If you do have any open flames in your home at any time, be sure to never leave them unattended and to keep an eye on your pets. If you're using a fireplace, consider getting a fireplace screen to protect pets when sleeping in front of the fire. Also make sure the fire is completely out before heading out or going to bed. Small sparks and coals can get through a screen.
  
• Secure wires and cords. Pets are often tempted to chew on loose wires and cords. Exposed wires can be a fire hazard, so consider securing any electrical objects so that their cords are out of reach. 
  
• Don't use glass bowls for your pets' water. When filtered and heated through glass, the sun's rays can ignite the wood beneath the bowl and set a deck in flames. Use a stainless steel or ceramic bowl instead.

How To Keep Your Pets Safe During And After A Fire

• Place a pet fire sticker on the door or window. In the event of a fire when you're away, having a pet sticker will help rescuers know how many pets to look for, saving valuable time and hopefully your pets. 
  
• Use monitored smoke detectors. Pets left home alone can't escape on their own when there's a fire. Monitored smoke detectors contact emergency responders when you're not home and add an extra layer of protection beyond that of battery-operated smoke alarms. 
  
• Keep pets near entrances when you're away from home. Always keep collars (with ID tags) on your pets and leave leashes by the entrance or somewhere easy to find in an emergency. This will help firefighters to find and rescue your pets when they arrive.
  
• Know where your pets' hiding spots are. It's important that you can find your pets quickly if there's a fire. Know where your pets like to sleep and especially where they like to go when they are scared or anxious (under the bed or hidden in a quiet corner of the house somewhere)
  
• Have an emergency plan in place and make sure everyone in the house knows what to do in the event of a fire. Know who will oversee getting your pets outside safely. Have someone in charge of leashes and pet carriers so that they can be safely secured once you're outside. If you can't find your pet when exiting, leave doors and windows open on your way out and call to them so that they come out on their own.
• Practice fire drills with your pets. It is important to include your pets in the family fire drills. Practice finding them and getting out of the house. Also practice the "open access" scenario where you leave an exit open (preferably the one they're most comfortable with) and call to them to come out of the home. The more you practice, the more likely they are to come out in the event of an actual fire.

If you have any questions or require restoration services due to fire damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Gainesville West-Alachua County West at (352) 374-6589. We are available 24/7 for services.