10 tips to protect your pets from fire

Don’t leave candles or fires in your fireplace unsupervised. Flameless candles and an enclosed fireplace are good ways to prevent open flames from causing trouble.

2. Secure wires

Pets may chew on loose wires, making areas with lamps and plugs possible fire hazards. Secure loose wires and ensure they are out of reach from your pets.

3. No glass bowls on wooden decks

Never put a glass bowl on a wooden porch as the sun’s rays can heat the bowl, causing a fire on your wooden deck. Try using a ceramic water bowl or stainless-steel dish instead.

4. Put covers over stove knobs

Put covers over or remove stove knobs, and discourage climbing in the kitchen. This can help prevent your pet from bumping up against a dial and accidentally filling your house with gas.

5. Include your pet in a family emergency plan

The number one step in preparing your pet and family for a fire is to talk with your family to determine an emergency plan that includes your pet. Here are some more tips for an emergency bag.

6. Create an emergency pet supply bag

You should include food, medication, water, a photo of your pet, leashes and carriers, and medical records.

7. Put up pet number decal on your door/window

Put a decal or sticker in your home’s front window indicating the number and type of pets you have to cut down on the time firefighters spend searching for your pet in case you're not home at the time of a fire.

8. Use monitored smoke detectors

Install smoke detectors connected to emergency response services so that even if your pet is home alone, should a fire occur, help can still be signaled and dispatched.

9. Collar and microchip

Make sure that the contact information on your pets’ collar and microchip is always up to date, so they can get all the help they need in case they escape during the course of a fire.

10. Don’t delay escape

During a fire, if you can’t find your pet quickly, leave and let responders search your home. If your pet is still inside, open doors and call to him or her to exit.