Would Your Dog Be Safe in a House Fire? 3 Easy Steps To Fire-Proof for Fido
Half a million pets are affected by house fires every year, and whether they make it through the experience depends on their humans. No one wants to imagine losing their beloved dog in a house fire, and while we should always hope for the best, it’s good to prepare for the worst.
Lack of preparation is the #1 reason dogs get left behind in emergencies, but it takes almost no time to make a fire-safety plan that will protect your pup and give you peace of mind!
1. Today’s Agenda: Household Fire Evacuation Planning
Step one is to sit down with every member of your household to create an evacuation plan that specifically includes your dog. You can start this step today; there’s no fancy equipment or pre-planning needed, and even a very simple plan can prevent panic from taking over in the event of a fire.
- Assign Roles: Decide who will be in charge of grabbing the dog(s), who will grab necessary items like medication or emergency supplies, etc.
- Identify Hiding Spots: Discuss where your dog likes to spend their time or hide when afraid to make finding them an emergency.
- Review Emergency Contacts: Have all adults save the number for your dog’s veterinarian in their phone, and review the fastest route to their clinic.
Walk through your evacuation plan a few times, and consider writing it down somewhere easily accessible (e.g., on the refrigerator) to keep the plan fresh in your mind.
2. Prepare Your Home for a Fire, Whether You’re Home or Not
You can’t be home with your dog 24/7, but you can make sure they’re always protected!
- Upgrade To Monitored Smoke Detectors: When monitored smoke detectors sense smoke, they sound an alarm and send a signal to a security/safety agent who will call and ask if you need help, or send the fire department to your address.
- No matter what kind of smoke detectors you have, do regular checks to make sure they are in good working order.
- Install a Pet Alert Sticker for Fire Rescue: Many local fire departments offer free pet alert stickers and decals to stick to entry doors and windows with information on the type of pets you have and how many are inside, so firefighters know who needs to be rescued.
- Assemble an Emergency Pet Supply Bag With…
- Dog food (1–3 days’ worth)
- Collapsible dishes
- Leash/harness/collar
- Treats
- Copies of vet records, adoption records, microchip information, etc.
- Sentimental items
3. Prevent Puppy Arson: Fire-Proofing for Dogs
It’s not just accidents and humans who start fires! Pets cause at least 750 house fires annually, and dogs are the number-one culprit. Dogs are curious and accidentally turn on stovetops, knock over candles, or chew through electrical wires while exploring, especially when left alone, but you can prevent all of these things from happening!
- Reduce Candle Use: Switch to flameless electric candles, or limit candle usage to one particular area of the home where they can’t be forgotten and are inaccessible to your dog.
- Cover Cords & Wires: Use pet-proof cord protectors to keep curious chewers at bay.
- Store Lithium Battery Devices: Store computers, personal electronics, gaming devices, power banks, and other items that run on lithium batteries in fireproof boxes or bags out of your dog’s reach.
- Lock Stove & Oven Knobs: Install knob covers or safety locks on your stove.
- Turn Off Space Heaters: Unplug, turn off, and put space heaters away before leaving home.
