Prevention is job one when it comes to fire safety of any kind. But fires happen. Here are some tips on keeping your pet safe as you decide and in the event of a fire:
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Include your pet into your family emergency plan and practice taking them with you.
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Put a decal in your home’s front window indicating the number and type of pets you have – Providing this information can cut down on the time responders spend searching your home in the case of a fire.
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Make sure your pet’s updated contact information is reflected on their ID collar and in the microchip database – If your pet gets lost during a fire, this will help rescuers get him or her back to you.
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Use monitored smoke detectors that are connected to emergency responders – Should a fire start while you are away from your home, you’ll know that your pet has access to emergency response services even if no one is home to call them.
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Know your pets’ hideaways and create ways for you to easily access them in case of an emergency.
During a fire
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Attempt to grab your pet and leave the hose as quickly as possible, but if it takes too long to locate or secure them, leave. You should never delay escape or endanger yourself or your family. Once responders get there, immediately tell them your pet is still inside so they can enter your home and continue looking for your pet.
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Grab leashes and carriers on your way out of the house. Outside, it may be chaotic and that could cause your pet to try to escape to a calmer, safe area.
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Never go back inside a burning house. If you can’t find your pet, leave, open the door, and call to them repeatedly from a safe distance away. Let firefighters take over the task of locating your pet.
