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Pet Fire Safety Week Tips on keeping your loved ones safe According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2013, there was one structure fire every 65 seconds in the US -- affecting approximately 500,000 pets. What can you do to keep your furry friends safe from fire? 1. Make an evacuation plan. Emergency planning isn't just for two-legged family members! Discuss where your pets hide, where their carriers and leashes are, and who will be responsible for getting each one. 2. Alert first responders you have animals inside. On your front window or door, place Pet Alert sign indicating the number and types of animals that are inside. (During Pet Fire Safety week of 7/13/15, donate just $5 and we'll send you an attractive, attention-getting fire fighter-approved HSHV Pet Alert static cling!) Be sure to keep your Pet Alert sign updated and fresh; fire fighters may think crusty old signs are from a previous tenant. 3. Discuss alternate housing. If you have to live somewhere else temporarily, can your pets come along? Many shelters do not allow pets. Ask a friend or family member if they could take your companion animals in an emergency, and explore other places your pets could be sheltered temporarily. HSHV has a Safe Harbor program that provides up to 14 days of pet housing for families in crisis. 4. Prevent your pets from being arsonists. The NFPA reports about 1,000 fires annually in the US are started by people's pets! Keep your four-legged, long-tailed friends from open flames--including stovetops, fireplaces and candles. Don't allow them to be around any fire unattended; extinguish fires completely before you leave the area; and cover, remove or protect stove knobs before leaving your house; according to the NFPA, stoves and cooktops are the number one thing pets use in starting a fire. 5. Practice your plan... and repeat. Just as you do with your emergency people plan, discuss your emergency pet plan on a regular basis. Use Pet Fire Safety week every year to be your reminder! |
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