July 15 – Today is National Pet Fire Safety Day

Here are some important reminders about making your home safer for the furry members of your family:

NATIONAL PET FIRE SAFETY DAY Tips to Keep Pets Safe from House Fires:

• Extinguish open flames
  Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
• Pet proof the home
  Take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might start fires inadvertently, such as the stove knobs, loose wires and other potential hazards.
• Secure young pets
  Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home.
• Keep pets near entrances
  When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
• Practice escape routes with pets
  Keep collars and leashes at the ready in case you have to evacuate quickly with your pet or firefighters need to rescue your pet.
• Since pets left alone can’t escape a burning home
  Use monitored smoke detectors which are connected to a monitoring center, providing an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms.
• Affix a pet alert window cling
  Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. You can obtain a free window cling by going toadt.com/pets or at AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days events. Details are available at akc.org.
• Keep your information updated
  Firefighters are familiar with pet alert window clings, so keep the number of pets listed on them updated. Knowing the accurate number of pets in the house aids rescuers in finding all of your pets.

Tips courtesy of the American Kennel Club