Experiencing a house fire is a difficult situation to go through. Even worse is the loss of a family pet in a fire, especially when the loss could have been prevented. July 15 is National Pet Fire Safety Day to help raise awareness and protect pets from home fires. Roughly 40,000 pets die in residential fires each year. It is important to take action to keep your pets safe.
Prepare
Preparation is key to ensure pet safety. Store kennels near an exit so that pets can be easily located by first responders. Place a rescue alert sticker in a visible location to let others know you have pets in the house that need to be rescued.
Make your home pet safe by storing loose wires, candles or other hazards out of reach. Do not stack potentially flammable items on top of kennels.
Learn hiding places, favorite spots and sleeping areas for pets so they can easily be located if an evacuation is necessary.
Store the number to your vet or emergency care for your pets in case after care is needed in the event of a fire.
Create A Plan
It is important to have a fire evacuation plan in place to protect your family. If you have children in your home, teach them what to do in case of a fire. Include pets when practicing your evacuation plan so they are not forgotten in an actual fire and they are used to coming when called.
Pets are part of the family and should be included in emergency planning to ensure their safety too.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source(s): ASPCA, “Fire Safety and Your Pets: Keeping Them Safe from the Unexpected” | Photo
