Did you know that over 500,000 pets are affected by home fires, with 40,000 of those pets dying each year?
Ensuring the safety of your pet in the face of a potential fire should be a top priority.
A common rookie mistake many pet parents make is not considering what to do in case of a fire.
No one ever wants to think of a fire breaking out at home, but sadly, it’s a disaster that can happen to anyone.
As a Certified Pet First Aid, CPR, & Safety Instructor, I have learned that pet fire safety is critical.
Recently, there have been many news stories of families losing their homes during a fire; sadly, some have also lost their pets.
We may not be able to save all our pets during a fire, but we can take responsibility and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
In this post, you will learn how to protect your pets from house fires, what to do with pets in a fire, and more fire safety tips to ensure the safest and best outcome for your dogs and cats.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
This blog is about fire safety for pets.
Pet Fire Safety Awareness
Prepare Your Home to Prevent Pet-Related Fires.
Pets, especially curious ones, can inadvertently cause fires.
They might knock over lit candles, chew on electrical cords, or play with stove knobs.
Pet-proofing helps mitigate these risks by securing potential hazards and reducing the likelihood of an accidental fire.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost 1,000 home fires are started by pets each year.
Pet-proof Your Kitchen to Avoid Stovetop Disasters.
Believe it or not, many fires get started by pets who accidentally turn on a stove by jumping up or have learned to turn the knobs.
Dogs are known to jump up to reach food left on stoves and accidentally turn on the stovetop knobs.
Properly store away food and keep anything tempting out of reach from paws and claws.
Consider using stovetop and knob covers to secure your kitchen stove.
These items prevent pets from accidentally turning knobs, igniting burners, or letting gas fill the home with dangerous fumes.
Don’t Forget to Pet-proof These Common Home Hazards.
Ensure no loose wires or power cords your pets may chew on are hanging or lying around.
Prevent pet access by securing wires and power cords to walls or floors.
Cats and dogs are infamous for knocking things over by accidentally bumping into or jumping on tables.
Do not leave any lit candles unattended in the house that your pet may accidentally knock over.
If you love having lit candles around your home, consider using flameless candles instead.
During colder temps, space heaters can quickly turn into fire hazards, especially when left unattended.
Unplug space heaters and keep anything flammable from the device before leaving your home.
Test Smoke Detectors and Know How to Use Fire Extinguishers.
Home smoke detectors should be working properly and replaced every ten years.
Ensure all smoke detectors in your home are clean, have a good working battery, and work effectively.
You want your smoke detectors to alert you and your family as soon as possible.
Home fire extinguishers should be in good working order and replaced every 10 to 12 years.
If you have a home fire extinguisher, it is essential to know how to use it effectively.
Take the time to look over the directions to familiarize yourself with how to use your fire extinguisher.
The last thing you want to do is stop to read directions when you need to put out a fire at home.
Use Pet Alert Signs and Stickers to Help First Responders.
Pet fire safety alert signs and stickers are a great addition to your home.
Pet alerts notify emergency personnel that pets are inside, increasing their chances of saving them.
Place near entrances or windows to alert firefighters to the presence and the number of pets you have.
During a fire, first responders may not always be aware that you have pets in need of rescue.
You can find pet alert stickers at local pet retail stores, home improvement stores, or Amazon.
Keep Pets Easily Seen and Accessible When You’re Away.
If you leave your dog in a crate or kennel when you’re out, place them in an easily seen and accessible area in case of a fire.
During a fire, when time is limited, firefighters don’t have time to look around for your pets.
Never leave your pet in a hard-to-reach place.
Place your pet’s kennel, crate, or pen in an area emergency personnel can easily see and get to.
It is recommended not to leave your pet in a room behind a closed door.
However, if you must, take safety precautions to locate and rescue your pet.
Install a Rescue Retriever to Help Firefighters Find Your Pet.
Consider adding a Rescue Retriever smoke detector for pets to areas where your dog or cat is routinely in.
The Rescue Retriever activates when smoke is detected and alerts firefighters with a silent strobing light.
This light indicates where firefighters can find your pet during fires or in smoke-filled rooms.
Install the Rescue Retriever in any space your pet is.
Place the device such on the wall, on crates, doors, or near their favorite hiding place.
This ensures your pet has the best chance of being found and rescued by any first responder.
Read More About the Rescue Retriever Pet Fire Safety Device
Create a Pet Fire Escape Plan Before You Need One.
Have you ever considered how to escape your home with your dog or cat during a fire?
How would you get out if a fire with your pet breaks out in front of the house?
What if you live in a high-rise apartment or condo, and your emergency exit is blocked by fire?
What if you live in a two-story home with a fire on the first floor?
Knowing your escape routes is crucial in an emergency fire evacuation so you and your pets can escape as quickly as possible.
According to the American Red Cross, you have approximately two minutes to evacuate your home during fire emergency.
More than two minutes are needed to determine how or where to evacuate.
Create a fire escape plan that includes a pet evacuation strategy.
Better Cities for Pets recommends creating a plan to evacuate each room in at least two different ways.
Know where to find leashes, collars or harnesses, and carriers to get on your pet or get your pet in, and evacuate quickly.
If you live in a high-rise apartment or condo, ensure you know the location of the nearest and second emergency exits.
In residential buildings, the chaos of a fire will have people instinctively rushing all to one exit.
Having a backup exit increases your chances of safely and quickly exiting the building with your pet.
Know Your Pet’s Hiding Spot to Save Time in an Emergency.
When panic sets in during an emergency or when the sound of a smoke detector goes off, pets are known to run and hide in their favorite safe spot.
However, where’s your pet’s go-to hiding spot?
During a fire, time is of the essence to evacuate.
Ensure you know where your pet is most likely to be hiding so you can reach them and safely evacuate together.
Always Keep an Emergency Dog Leash by the Door.
Always have an extra leash by your exits.
If you can’t get to your daily dog leash, having spare leashes for quick emergency evacuations is always a good idea.
You want to ensure to control and escort your dog outside quickly.
A leash will also ensure your dog stays with you, making it less likely for them to run away or get lost in the chaos of a fire evacuation.
Store Soft Pet Carriers for Small Pets Near Home Exits.
Place a soft pet carrier for small pets, like PawsInCar Carrier, near your exits.
Remember you have a short time to gather your pet and exit your home in the event of a fire.
There is no time to look for your pet’s carrier or put their hard carrier together.
You want to grab their carrier, place your pet inside, and safely evacuate as quickly as possible.
Plan for High-Rise or Second-Story Pet Fire Evacuation.
If you live in a two-story home or a high rise, how will you evacuate your pet from above ground level.
You might not be able to carry your pet or multiple pets for several reasons.
Have a plan to evacuate your pets from above ground level.
Emergency escape bag for pets, like the ISOP Fire Evacuation Device for Pets, can help you get your pet out from a window or balcony.
This soft bag allows you to place your pet inside, carry it on your back like a backpack, or lower it to the ground for safety.
Update Your Pet ID Tags and Microchip Info.
Pets are likely to run away from dangerous situations, and you never know where they may end up.
If your pet escapes and is found ensure they are easily identifiable and return home.
Ensure pet’s identification tags and microchips are up-to-date with your current contact information.
Take Pets to the Vet After Any Fire Exposure.
If your pet is involved in a fire, your dog or cat is likely to have inhaled the toxic fumes from the flames and experienced smoke inhalation.
Smoke inhalation is a serious medical situation for pets, and immediate action is needed.
Fumes from fire contain chemicals like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and cyanide, which are highly poisonous to pets.
According to veterinarians, any pet suffering from smoke inhalation is at significant risk of sustaining severe injuries to their lungs, burned airways, and dying.
Some signs of smoke inhalation for pets include, but are not limited to:
• Severe Coughing
• Gagging and/or Vomiting
• Red and/or Swollen Eyes
• Squinting
• Open Mouth Breathing
• Foaming at the mouth
• Bright Red, Blue, or Pale Gums
• Respiratory distress and/or difficulty breathing
• Seizures
Your pet needs to get clean oxygen, typically through an oxygen mask, to reduce their risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Some first responders are willing to provide oxygen for pets, as many want to help animals in distress.
Even if your dog or cat seems okay, signs of smoke inhalation may not appear until a few hours have passed.
Take your pet to the nearest emergency vet team as soon as possible, so the staff can carefully evaluate and provide the necessary medical treatment.
Fire Safety Could Save Your Pet’s Life.
Fires can happen in an instant-and when they do, every second counts.
Preparing your home, having a pet evacuation plan, and knowing how to act quickly could mean the difference between life and death for your pet.
Each small step you take now builds a stronger line of defense for your dog or cat.
Fire safety isn’t just for humans-our pets rely on us to be ready.
Don’t wait for an emergency to wish you had done more.
Start today!
