Accidents happen, we all know that. The best way to deal with those circumstances is to be prepared. That’s why July 15th is National Pet Fire Safety Day, so you can get a game plan together just in case. We put together a small list to help you prevent creating a dangerous situation for your family and pets and to prepare for those situations if they were to ever occur.
- Keep open flames away from prying eyes and curious paws. Keep candles in high places that can’t be reached or use flame-less candles instead. Make sure fireplaces are enclosed or fenced off and completely extinguished before leaving them unattended.
- Keep cats off the stoves and counters in the kitchen. Consider removing knobs or using stovetop covers to ensure safety and security. This is the number one cause of house fires from pets.
- Make sure any loose wires or cords are wrapped tightly or hidden away to prevent chewing. If possible, try to tie your cords together and put any long strands in a drawer.
- Keep an ID tag on your pet with your name, phone number, and address in case your pet escapes in the commotion so if anyone finds them, they can be returned home.
- Test your smoke alarms bi-monthly just in case their batteries have died.
- Keep any leashes, collars, harnesses, or carriers in easy access spots. Know places your cat or dog will run to or hide in for easy capture and faster evacuation.
- Run through a fire drill with you and your family and assign roles to smooth the process out.
- Create a to-go bag with supplies your pet would need if evacuation would occur and put the bag by the carrier and/or leashes.