To reduce the approximate 500,000 pets impacted by home fires annually, July 15 is acknowledged as National Pet Fire Safety Day. This nationwide awareness day educates pet owners about potential dangers when pets are left unaccompanied at home and provides preventive measures to ensure their well-being.
Based on a recent study conducted by the American Kennel Club, roughly 88% of pet owners regard their pets as cherished members of their family, making it logical to include them in fire prevention strategies in the event of a house fire. Keep the following safety recommendations in mind if you have a pet at home:
Extinguish open flames - Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
Pet Proof the Home – Take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might start fires inadvertently, such as the stove knobs, loose wires and other potential hazards.
Secure Young Pets – Especially with young puppies, keep them confined and away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home.
Keep Pets Near Entrances – When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
"First and foremost, ensure that your homes are equipped with functioning smoke alarms, as this is one of the most effective ways to protect your family and pets,” advised City of Thomasville’s Fire Rescue Chief Tim Connell. “We also encourage the community to participate in our Community Connect program by creating an online profile. This will enable us to be informed about any pets you have in your home and ensure their retrieval during a house fire.”
Community Connect is a free, secure, and online program that allows residents to share critical information with first responders and emergency response personnel when responding to a residence. Residents can create a profile containing valuable details such as the number of pets in your home, household contact information, and identification of family members requiring additional assistance in case of a house fire. Visit thomasville.org to create an account and establish a Community Connect profile.
For more information on pet fire safety, contact Thomasville Fire Rescue at 229-227-4099.