As noted in the blog post Are Your Fido and Kitty Safe from Fire When You Are Out?, home fires are often linked to accidents caused by pets and thousands of animals are affected by fires.
As a responsible pet owner, you should anticipate the dangers and consequences you and your Kitty or Fido will face due to a home fire. These key suggestions can help you and your pet survive a fire.
Prepare your pet for an escape. You, your spouse and your child participate in fire drills where you work and attend school, but do you practice fire drills at home? Every family member should know the two routes to escape your house when there is a fire, even your cat or dog. Include your pet in your home fire safety drill; specifically assign one family member to be responsible for the animal’s evacuation. Practice every six months.
Have an emergency pet kit. In the event of a fire, you, your family and your pet will probably be displaced. Friends, family, neighbors and the Red Cross can help you with clothing and a place to stay, but your pet may be cared for separately. Assemble the appropriate supplies in a duffel bag: canned pet food, bowls, a can opener, perhaps a comfort toy. You should also have a copy of medical documents with the name and phone number of your veterinarian, plus a photo of your pet. If the destruction of the fire means you will not return to your home, you may need to board your pet at a kennel, where you must prove vaccinations are current. The Red Cross has useful information on handling pets in an emergency and sells a pet first aid manual.
Help your pet when there is a fire. Before a fire strikes, know the favorite places where your pet likes to hide. A fire will scare a dog or cat, and it will seek a place of comfort, although behind the couch may not seem like a safe place to you. Quickly find your pet in their hiding place to save precious time. Use a leash or pet carrier for your pet when you escape the fire. The animal will feel safer being close to you and you will be assured your dog or cat is nearby when you have evacuated to a place away from the fire.
In a dangerous situation like a fire, it’s important to stay calm and maintain a measure of control. Practicing the escape routes with your family members plus your dog or cat at least twice a year will ensure the safety of everyone in an evacuation from a fire. In addition, having the necessary supplies for your pet will be helpful in an eventual relocation process for your family and your animal.
As noted in the blog post Are Your Fido and Kitty Safe from Fire When You Are Out?, home fires are often linked to accidents caused by pets and thousands of animals are affected by fires.
As a responsible pet owner, you should anticipate the dangers and consequences you and your Kitty or Fido will face due to a home fire. These key suggestions can help you and your pet survive a fire.
Prepare your pet for an escape. You, your spouse and your child participate in fire drills where you work and attend school, but do you practice fire drills at home? Every family member should know the two routes to escape your house when there is a fire, even your cat or dog. Include your pet in your home fire safety drill; specifically assign one family member to be responsible for the animal’s evacuation. Practice every six months.
Have an emergency pet kit. In the event of a fire, you, your family and your pet will probably be displaced. Friends, family, neighbors and the Red Cross can help you with clothing and a place to stay, but your pet may be cared for separately. Assemble the appropriate supplies in a duffle bag: canned pet food, bowls, a can opener, perhaps a comfort toy. You should also have a copy of medical documents with the name and phone number of your veterinarian, plus a photo of your pet. If the destruction of the fire means you will not return to your home, you may need to board your pet at a kennel, where you must prove vaccinations are current. The Red Cross has useful information on handling pets in an emergency and sells a pet first aid manual.
Help your pet when there is a fire. Before a fire strikes, know the favorite places where your pet likes to hide. A fire will scare a dog or cat, and it will seek a place of comfort, although behind the couch may not seem like a safe place to you. Quickly find your pet in their hiding place to save precious time. Use a leash or pet carrier for your pet when you escape the fire. The animal will feel safer being close to you and you will be assured your dog or cat is nearby when you have evacuated to a place away from the fire.
In a dangerous situation like a fire, it’s important to stay calm and maintain a measure of control. Practicing the escape routes with your family members plus your dog or cat at least twice a year will ensure the safety of everyone in an evacuation from a fire. In addition, having the necessary supplies for your pet will be helpful in an eventual relocation process for your family and your animal.
