Fire Safety and Your Pets: Keeping Them Safe from the Unexpected

Emergencies can happen at any moment and often when we least expect them. And while we as humans are able to map out a plan in the event of a fire emergency, our pets will often not be aware of what’s going on. As our pets guardians and protectors, we are responsible for ensuring that they are able to exit safely in the event of a fire. But what measures can we take to ensure that our pets are taken care of in the event of an emergency? We’re going to take a look at pet fire safety tips to ensure that both you and your furry friends are prepared in the event of a fire.

Note Where Your Pets Like to Nap or Hide

A house fire is not the time to be looking under every surface and sofa cushion for your pet, when you have valuable seconds to get both of you out of the house safely. It’s important to take note of exactly where your pet likes to hide so you can access them quickly before leaving the house. If you were not able to reach your pet before leaving the house, it’s essential to know this information to immediately relay it to firefighters.

ASPCA.org tells us why knowing where your pet likes to hide and practicing escape procedures with them can make all the difference in leaving your home safely:

“This is important in the event that you must evacuate 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 so they don’t go running when you pull out their crate during any type of emergency.”

Keep Pets Visible When Away From the Home

Whether you own a cat or a dog, doing your best to keep them visible while you’re away from the home will be incredibly valuable in the event of an emergency. While we often give our animals free reign of the house while we’re at work or running errands, it’s important to quickly narrow down their location in the event of a fire.

RedCross.org explains how you can prepare your pet for quick evacuation in the event of a fire when you’re not home:

“Keep pets near entrances when away from home. Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.”

Consider Monitored Smoke Detectors

Standard smoke detectors can only draw so much attention to your household if you’re not home. By the time a neighbour hears your smoke alarm and realizes you’re not home, it will likely be far too late – if they notice at all. A monitored smoke detector can make all the difference in having your home tended to quickly in the event of a fire.

Better Cities For Pets explains the benefit of investing in a monitored smoke detector:

“While it’s obviously vital to have working smoke detectors in your home, for pet fire safety you may want to think about upgrading a step further. Consider using monitored smoke detectors, says the American Kennel Club. These devices are connected to a monitoring center so emergency responders can be contacted when you’re not home.”

Fire-Alert takes pride in equipping homeowners, commercial businesses and government buildings with all necessary fire safety devices to ensure the well-being of families and employees across the nation. Reach out to us using our contact form to find out more.