The top six pet fire safety tips:
1. Pet proof your home. Look around your house and notice areas where pets might accidentally start fires (i.e. loose wires, stove knobs, tree/plant lights, etc.)
2. Affix Pet Alert Window stickers to one window on each side of your house, on each floor. On the sticker, note how many pets are inside the home, and the types of pets. List the pet’s names so they will not be afraid if they are called to by a firefighter. Keep this sticker information updated – it will save firefighters time and will assist them in looking for your pets inside the home.
3. Extinguish open flames before leaving a room, or leaving your home. Curious, pets will often explore candles, fireplaces, and cooking appliances.
4. Confine puppies and kittens to secure areas when you are away from your home, so that their young curious natures will easily be kept away from potential hazards.
5. Practice escape routes with your pets. Keep collars and leashes (and muzzles) readily available in case you have to evacuate quickly.
6. Use monitored smoke detectors if at all possible, since pets left alone cannot escape a burning home.