Pets and Fire Safety

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

During a fire emergency, an evacuation plan for your pets is an important element of pet preparation to have in place.

In the event of a home fire emergency, it pays to be prepared. That goes for keeping your pets secure, too. But what do you need to have ready for pets in the event of a fire? Having these three things ready in case something happens will help you be in a position of better pet safety.

1. Disaster Kit

You should always have a disaster kit ready for your pets in case a fire should start. This can resemble a human’s disaster kit, but you should research the specific supplies that are necessary to care for your pet’s special needs in a crisis.

2. Evacuation Plan

During a fire emergency, an evacuation plan for your pets is an important element of pet preparation to have in place. Practice removing your pets when you simulate your escape plan, and make sure to have a safe space ready if you need to shelter your pets elsewhere after evacuating your home.

3. Important Records

Pet vaccination and ownership records need to be easily accessible in the event of a disaster in the home. Keep these documents in a fire box so they will not get ruined by flames or smoke damage. If a firefighter or other rescuer finds your pets, these papers will help him or her to understand what the animals’ individual needs and histories are.

Remember, you always need to protect yourself and your family members before attempting to rescue a pet, and you should never let an animal delay your escape time. No one wants to think about a fire emergency at home, and it can be stressful to figure out how to take care of pets in such a time. However, being prepared with the steps above and researching methods of better pet safety will allow you to react more calmly under pressure should a fire occur.