Fire Safety: what you need to do to keep your pet safe

Fire Safety: what you need to do to keep your pet safe

‘On average 1000 fires a year are caused by pets themselves.’

Fire Action

With more of us spending time at home, we’ve been able to remain very vigilant about our pets surroundings to keep them safe. With more and more of us returning to work places and the opportunity of almost all restrictions being lifted over the next few weeks, National Pet Fire Safety Day couldn’t come at a better time. 

This national day on July 15th, is helping raise awareness of the dangers that our homes have for our pets and what we need to do so that, in the unfortunate event of a fire, our pets are safe. Below you’ll find everything you need to know!

There are many hazards in our homes that can easily cause fires. If you haven’t had a toddler stumbling around, you might not have thought of these dangers before. Prevention is best!

Candles

‘Candles cause an estimated 15,600 house fires, 150 deaths, and 1,270 injuries each year.’

igot2kno.com

We all know how dangerous candles can be and often think that up and out of the way is fine. If there's a knock at the door or nature calls, you’ll be out of the room without a second thought. This provides the opportunity for a curious cat or a wagging tail to knock over that candle. 

Oil 

Cooking is also a curious task. A kitty pawing at a spitting pan is unfortunately destined for bad things to happen. Certain activities should be done without the company of animals. 

Ovens 

Ovens are not animal friendly. The biggest danger being the hobs. Whether gas or electric they present a major risk. If you’re cooking and a little furry creature gets their fur near you, that’s an instant fire risk. If you’re out and someone jumps up or walks across the knobs switching them on this could also cause a fire. With technology advancing touch screen appliances can, although are less likely to, be turned on by paws. Turning these off at the mains or removing knobs are options to remove this risk. 

Help firefighters 

The most important thing you can do is help the people who will be there if a fire does start. Here are some options that we advise thinking about installing in your home:

Signs

A pet alert sign placed in the window can help firefighters know who they’re looking for and leave no one behind. This simple sign says how many pets are in your home and what they are, so if you haven’t been able to get out with them or you’re not there firefighters can get them out. 

Hiding Places

Make note of where your pet hides when they’re scared. If you can have quick access to this area on your way out of the house in an emergency you can grab your pet. If not, you may need to describe this location to a firefighter. 

Identification

Don’t forget that in all the commotion your pet might run rather than hide. Keeping an up to date microchip is crucial to them being found and coming back to you. 

Keeping your pet near an exit when you're away from home along with collars and leads easily accessible are all important to helping get your pet away from a dangerous situation. We hope it never happens but putting these things in place could make a huge difference. 

Stay safe!