Fire Safety Tips for Your Pets

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Take action before an emergency takes place!

An emergency can happen at any moment, and you may never be able to fully prevent such events. However, you can prepare yourself and pets for when emergencies do take place. Here is a list of tips that will help your furry friends when a fire takes place. 

- Consider installing monitored smoke detectors! If you live in a fire-prone area, monitored smoke detectors are always a smart choice. This will help the firefighters get a notification, and can respond as quickly as possible. Even if you are not home. 

- Make sure to take note where your pets like to nap or hide. This is very important in event that needs evacuation in your home quickly. Remember that pets can be exponentially more difficult to round up if they sense stress. (Especially cats!) Practice crating your pets in advance to make it a positive experience. This will then help prevent them from running when you pull out their crate during any type of emergency. 

- You need to have an emergency plan, and practice escape routes with your pet. Make sure to include all members of the family in this plan. Also make sure they know what to do and where to go. 

- Have the phone number and address your local animal hospital handy. If your pet is injured, you will need to know where to take them for help ass quickly as possible. 

- Make sure to pet-proof your home. Ensure there are no areas where pets can start fires accidentally. This includes stove knobs, loose wires, candles, fireplaces and other potential hazards in your home. Never leave a pet unattended with a lit candle or fireplace.

- If you have to evacuate, make sure to take your pets with you whenever possible. If you leave them behind, they may become trapped or escape and then be exposed to numerous life threatening hazards. In advance, make sure to contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities. Also, ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets. Identify hotels and motels that accept pets, and also ask friends and relatives in your area if they would be willing to take your pet in case of an emergency. 

- Get a rescue alert sticker! This easy to use sticker will let firefighters know that there are pets inside your home. Make sure it is visible, and we recommend placing it on or near your front door. This sign will include the types and number of pets in your home. 

We here at SERVPRO have teamed up with local fire departments and animal hospitals to provide people with these stickers!