Top 5 Fire Safety Tips for Your Pets

July 15th is a day to bring something to the attention of many pet owners that they don’t usually think of, Pet Fire Safety. It is not something we always think of, but between cats jumping up on counters and dogs zooming around tables, it is more common than one may think. Whether you are a new pet owner or have had pets your entire life, there are things you can add to your home or take away that you may not have thought of before.

Being prepared and proactive is key to helping and protecting your pets in case of an emergency. We have come up with the top 5 tips to help keep you and your pets safe:

1. Keep Your Pets Accessible – If you are not at home, keeping your pets near an easily accessible entrance is necessary for rescue. Close the doors to bathrooms, bedrooms, or any other room so your pets can be easily found by firefighters.
2. Extinguish Open Flames – Unattended pets have a tendency to be curious, that is why you never want to leave them near an open flame, or hot burner. Make sure all open flames are extinguished, and hot burners are safely covered before leaving the house.
3. Window Stickers - place a sticker on the front and back door or window with clear visibility so rescuers know there are pets in your home. Remember to note the number of pets in the house too.
4. Pet Proof Your Home – Dogs and cats like to chew, make sure to take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might accidentally start fires, such as the stove knobs, loose wires and other potential hazards. 
5. Have an Escape Plan – Keep leashes, collars, and even carriers near your exit so in case of a fire, you and your pets are ready to go. 

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