National Pet Fire Safety Day is July 15

An estimated 500,000 pets are affected annually by house fires. In addition, nearly 1,000 home fires are accidentally started by pets. In honor of National Pet Fire Safety Day on July 15, here are a few tips to keep your pets safe in the event of a fire and prevent your pets from accidentally starting a fire in your home.

To Prevent Your Pet From Starting Fires:

• Extinguish open flames – Pets are curious about candles and other flames and may knock them over while trying to investigate.

• Remove stove knobs – Stoves are the most common way a pet can start a fire.

• Invest in flameless candles – These create the illusion of a flame without causing danger if the pet knocks it over.

• Beware of water bowls on wooden decks – The sun’s rays can reflect off a glass or stainless steel water bowl and ignite a wooden deck.

• Pet proof the home – Hide any loose wires and other dangerous objects around your home.

To Keep Your Pets Safe in Case of Fire:

• Keep pets near entrances when away from home – When leaving pets home alone, keep them near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.

• Secure young pets – Keep young puppies and other pets in crates where they do not have access to loose wires and other dangerous objects.

• Practice escape routes with pets – Keep collars and leashes near the door in case you have to evacuate quickly.

• Consider using monitored smoke detection services – These can help save pets when you aren’t home.

• Affix a pet alert window cling (pictured below) – You can get a window cling here and label the number of dogs, cats and other animals in your home so firefighters know how many pets to look for.