The American Kennel Club, ADT Security Services and the National Volunteer Fire Council are all teaming up to help reduce the number of pets which are affected in home fires each year. These agencies will be distributing free static window clings to area pet owners as well as spread awareness about how pets can start home fires and how to prevent them.
Home fires are the most common disaster and also the most preventable. According to the United States Fire Administration, an estimated 500,000 pets are affected annually by home fires, and a new data analysis by the National Fire Protection Association shows that nearly 1,000 house fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners’ pets.
Tragically, the numbers of pets killed or injured in home fires are expected to rise this summer as more people spend time away from their homes, leaving pets all alone.
Fire departments across the country have partnered for this initiative to provide a free Pet Fire Safety Window Clings to everyone who wants one. There is a listing, by state, on the the National Volunteer Fire Council's (NVFC) Pet Fire Safety Day web page of fire departments that serve as distribution points for the window clings. Simply go to the closest location to get your free window cling. ADT is also distributing pet window clings that community members can put in their windows to alert rescuers as to the number and types of pets in the house. Pet Fire Safety Window Clings are also free, and can be ordered from www.adt.com/pets.
Affix a Pet Fire Safety Window Cling and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.
Here are some fire safety tips to help educate pet owners on how to prevent their beloved pet from starting a fire, as well as how to keep their pets safe:
Prevent your pet from starting fires
• Extinguish open flames - Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
• Remove stove knobs - Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house – a stove or cook top is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.
• Invest in flameless candles – These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.
• Beware of water bowls on wooden decks – Do not leave a glass water bowl for your pet outside on a wooden deck. The sun’s rays when filtered through the glass and water can actually heat up and ignite the wooden deck beneath it. Choose stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead.
• Pet proof the home - Take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might start fires inadvertently, such as loose wires and other potential hazards.
Keep your pets safe
• Keep pets near entrances when away from home – When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
• Secure young pets - Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home, such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.
• Practice escape routes with pets – Keep collars and leashes at the ready in case you have to evacuate quickly with your pet or firefighters need to rescue your pet.
• Consider using monitored smoke detection services – As an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms, smoke detectors connected to a monitoring center help save pets who can’t escape when left home alone.
• Affix a pet alert window cling – Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; this is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
