For most Canadians – around 60 per cent of us – pets are part of the family. Keeping them healthy and safe is just part of pet ownership.
But when it comes to emergencies caused by fire, pets can sometimes get lost in the chaos, especially if they are scared and hide or escape.
Pets are part of a family fire emergency plan
A fire safety plan should include your cat or dog, because fire safety isn’t just about prevention, but also about being prepared if an emergency occurs.
It’s a good idea to go over emergency plans regularly.
Prepare your pets if evacuation is needed
Have an escape plan
Preparing for a fire is crucial for your safety and your pets. Every minute counts in an emergency and having a fire evacuation procedure can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents. Ensure each family member has an assigned role (including who will get the pets) and knows the best exits in an emergency.
Keep an emergency safety kit
Your fire safety kit should include pet essentials such as food, water, medications, and comfort items.
Pet alert window decals
Place a pet rescue alert sticker near the front door indicating the number and type of pets in your home. This information can be crucial for firefighters during rescue operations.
Keep pets and their accessories by the front door
If your pet is kept in a crate or gated area while you’re out, it is best to keep it close to an entrance. Their leashes, carriers, and crates should also be near an easily accessible entrance.
Pet identification
Ensure your pets wear collars with up-to-date identification tags that include your current phone number. Microchipping your pets is also recommended to increase the chances of a reunion if they get lost during a fire.
Buy a monitored smoke alarm
A traditional battery-operated smoke detector isn’t helpful if your pet is home alone. Upgrade to a monitored smoke detector that will alert you and the nearest fire station if a fire starts in your home.
Preventive measures to safeguard your pets
Limit fire hazards in your home to reduce the risk of fire. This likely means implementing additional measures if you have furry loved ones roaming around. Here are ways to help prevent flames from happening in the first place.
Use cord protectors and keep outlets covered
Pets chewing on electrical cords or playing by outlets could lead to dangerous sparks or shorts. Ensure cables are unplugged while not in use, or inaccessible to pets, and secure any table lamps.
Never leave a burning candle unattended
The flick of a tail can knock over a candle. Battery-operated flameless candles are a great alternative to eliminate the risk of your pet knocking over an open flame.
Keep pets away from hot appliances
Heated appliances such as irons and hair dryers can produce enough heat that if knocked over by a cat or dog, they could start a fire. Keep pets off countertops and stoves as they can accidentally turn on a stove knob.
Install barriers from heated objects in the house
Many pets enjoy cozying up near a heat source to stay warm, but if they rest too close to a flame, their fur could catch on fire or knock over a space heater. Obstruct your pets from fireplaces, campfires, portable heaters, and barbeques.