3 Tips for Including Your Pet in Family Fire Safety Plans

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Your pets are family, and including them in your fire emergency plans is one of the best ways to keep them safe.

Tips To Include Your Pets In Your Home Fire Safety Plan

Having a safety plan in place for your home can keep you and your family safe in case of a fire emergency. Knowing how to escape your home, where to meet and how to act quickly can keep everyone safe. However, as you make a plan, it is important to remember your furry family members. Here are a few tips for keeping your pet safe by including it in your fire preparation plans.

1. Choose a Pet Caretaker

Knowing who will help the family pet escape in case of a fire can help avoid confusion and allow the family to get out of the house faster. Choose a responsible adult that the pet trusts and will go to when called, even when it is frightened. Let each family member know who the caretaker is and that they should not delay their escape to look for the pet during a fire.

2. Include Smaller Pets in the Plan

Smaller pets, such as rodents, reptiles and amphibians, should be included in your pet preparation plan. Have your kids keep small, breathable tubs near their aquarium or cage so they can be transferred and taken out of the house during a fire. Keep the tubs lined with hay or soft tissue pellets so the pets can remain comfortable until a fire damage and cleanup service cleans up your home.

3. Train Your Pet

An important factor in pet safety is obedience, especially during a fire emergency. Train your pet to come when called, no matter the situation, and teach it to remain calm and sit as you leash it. The quicker your pet comes to you, the faster you can leave the house if there is a fire.

Your pets are family, and including them in your fire emergency plans is one of the best ways to keep them safe. Remember to have an escape plan for all your pets, large and small, to give them the best chance at survival.