How Can Riverside Residents Support National Pet Fire Safety Day-July 15, 2020

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO West Riverside City, we have taken all precautions to keep Ellie, our cattle dog safe in the event of a fire or emergency.

National Pet Fire Safety Day takes place every year on July 15, and it’s a day to learn how to keep your pet safe in a fire.

For many Riverside residents, pets are our most precious asset so it makes sense that we observe a day to keeping them safe during one of the scariest things we can imagine. It was started by the American Kennel Club and ADT Security in 2009 to help pet owners learn safety measures to protect their beloved pets and homes from fire, and it’s a great opportunity to learn how to keep your fur baby safe.

Preventing a Fire

Open flame exposure is one of the most common ways that your pet may accidentally start a fire in your home.

• Never having unsupervised candles
• Fires in your fireplace should also be monitored
• Having flameless candles and an enclosed fireplace instead
• Puppies love chewing and may chew on loose wire
• Secure loose wires and ensure they are out of reach from your pets
• 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 dishes instead.

Preparing for a Fire

The number one step in preparing your pet and family for a fire is to talk with your family to determine an emergency plan than includes your pet.

• Practice this plan with the whole family
• Make sure everyone knows whose job it is to grab your pet and whose it is to grab your emergency supplies
• Items to pack in your pets emergency bag:  food, medication, water, a photo of your pet, leashes and carriers, and medical records
• Make sure you know where he or she likes to hide and how to get him or her out of that hiding spot quickly
• 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 your pet escapes during the course of a fire, make sure that the contact information on their collar and microchip is up to date.
• install smoke detectors connected to emergency response services so that even if you pet is home alone, should a fire occur, help can still be signaled and dispatched.

During a Fire

As part of your emergency response plan, make sure to grab your pet’s leash or carrier as you grab your pet and escape the building.

• Outside your home will be chaotic, and your pet may try to escape to a safer area, so it is important to keep them nearby and secure.
• If it takes too long to locate or secure your pets, as much as you may not want to, leave, open the door, and call for them once you are outside and at a safe distance from the fire.
• You should never delay escape or endanger yourself or your family to rescue your family pet.
• Once responders get there, immediately inform them your pet is still inside so they can continue looking for your pet.

You can obtain a free window cling by going to www.adt.com/pets or at AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days events. Details are available at www.akc.org.

At SERVPRO West Riverside City, we have taken all precautions to keep Ellie, our cattle dog safe in the event of a fire or emergency.  We are now in peak fire season.  These tips will help save the lives of our pets.