How to keep your pets safe from house fires.
Though we might do everything within our power to prevent fires, they are a reality that many of us will face. An escape might be clear for human inhabitants, but our pets rely on our preparedness to survive a fire.
The best way to protect pets in case of a fire is to take action now. Proper preparation can save your pets when an emergency strikes. Follow these tips to help ensure a safe escape for you and the animals you love.
1. USE MONITORED SMOKE ALARMS
By using smoke alarms that are monitored for activity, firefighters will be notified as soon as there are signs of fire in your home. This early warning can make a huge difference in first responders’ ability to save your pets, especially if you’re away from home.
2. USE PET FIRE SAFETY STICKERS
In addition to keeping pets close to the door, help first responders rescue your pets by letting them know how many animals are living in your home with pet fire safety stickers. Adhered to your entrances, these let rescuers know how many pets, and what types of pets they should look for.
3. KNOW YOUR PETS’ HIDING PLACES
Nobody has the opportunity to know your pets better than you. Familiarize yourself with where your cats curl up at night and where your dog sleeps. Finding pets quickly during an emergency can prevent smoke inhalation, potentially saving lives.
4. HAVE TEMPORARY HOUSING IN PLACE
Not all hotels are pet-friendly, so be sure to familiarize yourself with what temporary housing is available to you and your furry family in case of an emergency. DCSPCA has programs that offer safety net housing for the pets of Dutchess County families experiencing an emergency. We recently helped six cats who were rescued from a house fire in the Hyde Park region.
5. DESIGNATE WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EACH PET
Be sure the people in your household know who is responsible for bringing each pet to safety during a fire. Assigning each animal a buddy will help ensure an efficient escape.
6. KEEP CARRIERS AND PET ACCESSORIES IN ONE PLACE
Keep your pets’ carriers, harnesses, and leashes in one place. In the event of an emergency it will help you make a swift exit with your animals, rather than spending time searching for the equipment you need.
7. BE SURE YOUR PETS HAVE TAGS AND MICROCHIPS
Even though first responders want to help your pets, sometimes companion animals will run from the people who are trying to rescue them, or even from you. In case your pet escapes in an emergency, be sure they are wearing tags and that their microchip information is up-to-date.
8. HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN
Sit down with your family and come up with an escape plan that includes every human and animal in your household. If you go on vacation, make sure to adjust your plan accordingly and share it with whoever is staying in your home.
9. PRACTICE YOUR EVACUATION
Thinking through an escape plan is the first step, but in order to be truly prepared for a fire, practice your evacuation with the other humans who share your home. In an emergency, it can be easy to forget your escape route. Physically practicing your evacuation will make it much easier to take action during an actual fire.
10. KEEP PETS NEAR THE ENTRANCE WHEN AWAY FROM HOME
Though you would hope to be home to help your pets during an emergency, it’s possible that you will be away from your house when a fire strikes. To help firefighters find your pets, keep them close to the entrance when you are not at home.
Your donations allow us to help people and animals who have experienced an emergency such as a house fire. Thank you for your support of the pets of Dutchess County and the people who love them.