Pet Fire Safety

Home fires are the most common disaster that the American Red Cross responds to – and also the most preventable.

Emergencies can happen at any moment and while we may never be able to FULLY prevent events from happening, we can ensure that we have ourselves and pets prepared for when they do.

Did You Know?

  • 66% of U.S. households own at least ONE pet
  • Approximately 40,000 pets die in house fires each year
  • 500,000 pets are affected by home fires each year
  • 1,000 pets start a house fire each year

Prepare Your Home & Pets

Emergencies can happen at any moment and while we may never be able to FULLY prevent events from happening, we can ensure that we have ourselves and our pets prepared for when they do.

Safeguard your home:

  1. Smoke alarms are must-have devices. Smoke alarms should be on every level of your home! Test them each month and change batteries once a year. Replace any smoke alarm that’s more than 10 years old.
    • Did you know if you have a fire, smoke alarms can cut nearly in half your risk of dying in a fire?
    • There are also Smart Smoke Alarms that will notify your mobile device when smoke has been detected in your home!
  2. Install carbon monoxide detectors
  3. Most home fires start in the kitchen. Keep an eye on cooking.
  4. Inspect electric cords.
    • Any appliance with an electrical cord that is cracked, damaged, or loose has a risk of sparking a fire. Replace damaged cords or don’t use that device anymore.

Follow these tips for pet fire prep:

  • Have an emergency plan and escape route with your pet prepared. Include all members of the household in this plan, and make sure they know what to do and where to go.

  • Pet-proof your home to ensure there are no areas where your pet can accidentally start a fire such as lit candles, etc.

  • Update your pet’s microchip and records. Have an alternative vet in mind in case yours is not available.

  • Prepare emergency supplies and traveling kits close to exits. Make sure all household members know where the kit is located. Pack essentials such as medical kits, pet food and supplies, grooming supplies, collars and leashes, a carrier, and other essential supplies your pet may need. Plan for the worst-case scenario and assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks.

If in the event you do not have an emergency kit prepared, grab your pet and evacuate the area immediately. As pet owners, it’s important for us to ensure we have extra precautions ready when danger approaches. Our pets’ lives depend on it!

Links

  1. https://worldanimalfoundation.org/advocate/pet-ownership-statistics/
  2. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness.html
  3. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness.html 
  4. https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/protecting-family-from-fire-danger.html 
  5. https://www.cedarrisk.com/pet-fire-safety/#:~:text=Pet%20Fire%20Safety%20Facts%3A,a%20house%20fire%20each%20year.