As National Pet Fire Safety Day approaches, we wanted to provide you with some safety tips to help protect your family members, including the furry and scaly ones! Here is a list of just a few things that you can do:
- Install smoke detectors and test them each month.
- Have a fire evacuation plan that includes your pets.
- Know where your pets hide and sleep.
- Pet-proof your home
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- Keep pets away from open flames, countertops, stoves, space heaters, and lights.
- Keep pets away from chimneys and fireplaces.
- Make sure all wires are out of your pet’s reach. If your pet chews through electrical wires and you have electrical problems, have a professional check.
- Have a rescue alert sticker on the main entrance to your house so that rescuers know there are animals in the house. If a pet is trapped in your house, let a rescuer know. To get a free rescue alert sticker, click here and fill out ASPCA’s form.
- Find pet-friendly locations for your pet to stay if you are unable to return to your home. For example, boarding kennels, animal shelters that have emergency shelter space, pet-friendly hotels/motels, friends, or family.
- Know where you can take your pet if they become injured in an emergency.
- Make sure your pet is identifiable via a collar with tags or microchip if they escape during an emergency.
- Have an emergency kit, for ideas, check out the ASPCA’s list here.