National Pet Fire Safety day is on July 15. This day aims to educate pet owners on pet fire safety. It also aims to promote acting safely around a fire and knowing what to do in case of emergencies. Emergencies are never planned, so it’s essential to be ready for anything at any time. Our pets are part of the family, and just like our two-legged members, our four-legged fur babies must also be part of the plan. Here is how you can be prepared in case of a fire.
Have an Escape Plan
Having an escape plan is crucial in an emergency. Knowing what you will do and where you will go can save your and your family’s lives. When preparing an escape plan, be sure to know where your exits are and list the escape routes from every room in your home. Keeping these paths clear is crucial as things can catch fire quickly if a fire starts. Having a clear pathway will guide your family members to safety outside. Walking out of a door may not be the only escape plan. If you live in an apartment, know that you must take the stairs down as soon as you leave the apartment before exiting the building. Depending on your living situation, your escape plan might be slightly different, but the goal of safety remains the same.
Practice Fire Drills
Having an escape plan is a great starting point, but it is not enough to have one. To ensure everyone in your family is familiar with the plan, it may be beneficial to act it out. It might be helpful for our pets to get this occasional exposure for practicing fire drills. Practicing specific words or cues and taking them through the escape route will help them understand the cues and training experiences you give them. This will be necessary knowledge to have in a drastic situation.
Outdoor Fires and Fire Pits
For camping and backyard fires, safety measures still need to be followed. Fires crackle, and if things are being thrown into the fire, it’s safest that pets stay far away to avoid getting injured. If you’re unsure how your pet may act around a fire, it would be best to keep them inside where it’s safe. If you have a dog that likes to be outside, you can train your dog to be safe and start by having them on a leash when you have a fire out. Eventually, they will learn that they need to keep their distance.
Fire Prevention and Safety
The best way to avoid emergency escape plans is to practice fire prevention and safety. Remembering to turn things off or not leaving any exposed wires or fire hazards present is the best way to prevent fires from happening. If you smoke, it would be best to smoke outside so that no cigarette butts or cigarettes catch anything on fire. Be careful cooking on the stove and ensure your cooking area is clear, so the stovetop does not light anything nearby. Staying safe and aware will help you put out a fire before it starts and prevent one altogether.
Importance of Fire Safety
National Pet Fire Safety Day wants to ensure all pet owners are educated and prepared in case of a fire. Being prepared is one way of staying safe. The other way to keep safe is to prevent fires from occurring. Having an escape plan and practicing fire drills can make a big difference in preparing your family and pets for an emergency. Turning electronics off that are not being used, not smoking in the house, or being present and aware when cooking in the oven can prevent fires from starting. All these things can help keep you and your family protected. Follow East Paws on social media for more helpful pet care blogs.
