Following June’s Pet Preparedness Month, it is good to review your pet’s fire safety tips especially as we lead into summer’s hotter months. And although our pets provide us unconditional support and comfort as members of the family, they too can start a fire when we least expect it. They would never purposely start a fire but accidents do happen and we must be prepared. Review the two checklists below to ensure you and your pet are ready this summer:
Routine Household Checks:
Every month, you should perform a routine check in and around the house to ensure home fires are minimized. By staying proactive, you minimize the risk for a potential fire hazard.
–Cover, replace or hide all electrical wires that your pet can reach. Oftentimes, pets will unknowingly chew on wires causing the protective layer to be stripped away.
–Test smoke alarms on every level of your home to ensure they are correctly operating.
–Ensure a “pet-free zone” is maintained around fireplaces and chimney vents. Glass doors and screens can remain hot hours after a fire has been extinguished. So, it is encouraged to use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen for fireplaces.
Safety Tips:
-Keep pets away from stoves and countertops. They may accidentally turn on cooking appliances or knock equipment over causing a fire safety hazard.
-Keep pets away from candles, lamps, space heaters, and electrical cords. Even better would be to replace all candles with battery-operated, flameless candles for the safety of you and your pet.
-Take note of where your pet likes to nap or hide especially in the event you and your pet may need to evacuate.
–If a smoke alarm turns on, evacuate safely and stay out of your home until it has been determined safe to return. If your pet is trapped or stuck inside after you have evacuated, inform a firefighter so they can safely retrieve your pet for you.
-Be prepared with an evacuation plan and kit for both you and your pet. (Please reference “Be Prepared This Summer” for tips on how to best prepare your pet’s evacuation plan and kit.)