Fluffy Didn’t Start the Fire: July 15 is National Pet Fire Safety Day

July 12, 2016

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Wagging puppy tails and kitty curiosity are generally traits that make canine and feline friends so darn charming – but when left alone, your fur babies’ excitability or penchant for investigation just might get them into trouble. According to the National Fire Protection Association, pets and wild animals play a role in starting approximately 700 home fires annually. Whether or not they are the instigators, it is also crucial to include household pets in your family’s disaster evacuation plans.

For this reason, the folks at the American Kennel Club joined forces with ADT Security Services in the late 2000s to dub July 15 National Pet Fire Safety Day. The day of observation has since caught on, and in honor of another consecutive year of awareness, it’s time to review a few of the pros’ top tips for protecting your pets – and your home – from all things flammable.

1. Unplug

For creative or bored dogs and cats, virtually anything can be transformed into a chew toy, including your phone chargers and hive of wires plugged into household outlets. Whether you’re just leaving the room or heading to work for the day, unplugging your electronics can decrease the chance of electric shock or a sparky flare-up in the event of nibbling. As an added safeguard, invest in a cable organizer to consolidate loose wires, or simply tuck them away so they aren’t accessible to hungry animals.

2. Crate or gate

Create a cozy and roomy crate space to limit roaming when pets must be left alone, particularly for young puppies or kittens. Make sure to stuff it with all the necessities – food and water bowls, blankets, toys and litter box or puppy pads. Alternatively, gate off more dangerous areas such as the kitchen or heating vents to keep your little ones away from stove knobs and the like.

3. Snuff the candles

Fire safety 101: never leave a lit candle unattended for any length of time. This becomes especially important for those placed on low-lying surfaces within the vicinity of wagging tails or kitty climbers. Experts recommend swapping the flames for battery-operated candles to maintain the ambiance while eliminating the disaster potential.

4. Ring the alarm

Ensure there is a smoke detector on each level of your home, and make sure you’re testing each alarm on a monthly basis. Earn bonus points for monitored smoke alarms that trigger emergency responders in the event of a fire, increasing chances for rescue and survival when pets are home alone.

5. Hire a sitter

If you plan to be gone for an extended length of time, whether for your 9-5 or summer vacation, plan ahead and hire a sitter to regularly check in on your pets at home. In addition to providing dog-walking services and much-needed TLC, Sarah’s Pet Care can bring pet parents peace of mind. Contact us today to discuss your options!