Did you know that almost 1000 house fires a year are caused by pets and that 500,000 pets a year are affected by house fires? Here are some Fire Safety Tips to help keep you and your pets safe!

Here are tips to prevent your pet from starting a fire:

1. Pet proof your home by looking for any loose wires or other potential hazards that a pet could start a fire.

2. Do not use glass water bowls on flammable surfaces such as a wooden deck. The glass can filter the sun’s rays (even through the water) enough to ignite a wooden deck.

3. Use flameless candles. A pet can knock over a candle with a flame and start a fire.

4. Either cover or remove stove knobs. Pets accidently turning on a stove or stove top is one of the top causes for fires.

5. Do not leave open flames in your house, especially if you are not in the room to monitor your pet. This includes appliances and fireplaces.

Other safety precautions in the event of a fire are:

1. Use a pet alert window cling which lists the number of pets in your home. In the event of a fire, the firefighters will know to look for and save your pets.

2. Use monitored smoke detection services; this will provide an early alert so that firefighters can get to your home in time to save your pets.

3. Practice evacuating your home with your pet. This will familiarize your pet with the process. Be sure to keep leashes handy for you to use or for a firefighter to use.

4. Keep your pets secured away from dangers, especially young puppies, when you are not home or watching them.

5. If you are not going to be home, keep your pets near an entry way so that a firefighter can find and remove them quickly without the need to search your house.

Return To Fire Prevention