More than 500,000 pets are annually are affected by home fires, with some fires started by family pets themselves. Learn how to protect your pets in today's blog.

In the instance of disaster, if you have to evacuate, the most important thing you can do to safeguard your pets is to evacuate them, too. However, bear in mind that you should never delay an escape or put your household in danger to rescue a family pet.

Fire Security And Your Pets: Keeping Them Safe from the Unforeseen

Emergencies can happen anytime and can come in a myriad of ways. While you will never have the ability to stop such occasions from happening, you can prepare yourselves and your pets for when the unforeseen happens. Because today is National Pet Fire Safety Day, KittyNook gathered important fire safety and security ideas in your home. Utilize this checklist to ensure that you and your furry friends are prepared if a fire breaks out.

Consider setting up a monitored smoke detectors.

If you reside in a fire-prone area or are worried about a fire possibly starting, monitored smoke detectors or smoke alarms are always wise to have at home. In case a fire started, firefighters will be notified and can also respond right away.

Note where your family pets like to nap or hide.

This is necessary in case you need to evacuate your home swiftly. Remember that pets can be significantly harder to gather if they are experiencing stress and anxiety, especially cats! Practice putting your pets in crates or carriers ahead of time to make it a positive experience, so they do not go running when you take out their crate during any emergency.

Have an emergency strategy, and establish an escape route with your pet. Make family members aware of this strategy and ensure that they know what to do and where to go.

Keep the contact numbers and addresses of local animal health centers.

If your pet is harmed, you need to know where to take them for treatment quickly.

Pet-proof your home.

Ensure that your area is clear of things that can allow your pets to start house fires inadvertently (this includes stove handles, loosened cords, candles, fireplaces, as well as other possible dangers). Never leave a pet unattended with lit candlelight or near the fireplace.

Follow these steps to pet-proof your home:

• Minimize chances of open fires. Family pets wonder and might try to explore your unattended candles or fireplace. Opt for flameless candles or a confined fireplace to avoid an unintended knock or ran-away cinder from being out of control.
• Get rid of cooktop handles. Remove stove knobs or secure them with covers before leaving your home. According to the National Fire Defense Association, a range or cooktop is the top reason associated with pets starting a fire.
• Secure loose cables. Pets like to chew on cables and loose wires. Keep these out of reach as they can start house fires.

Avoid leaving glass bowls unattended on a wooden veranda.

The sun's rays can heat glass water bowls and trigger fire on your wooden decks. Use ceramic or stainless-steel bowls when outside.

Utilize a rescue alert sticker.

Rescue alert sticker labels will allow rescuers to know that family pets are inside your home. See to it that it is visible: put it on or near your front door. Have a list of the number and breeds of pets that you have in the house. 

If you need to evacuate your residence, take your pets with you if possible.

Note that not all shelters approve pets, so you should figure out where you will bring your pets in advance:

• Contact your veterinarian for a checklist of favored boarding facilities.
• Ask your neighbor pet shelters if they offer emergency sanctuary or foster care of pets.
• Determine hotels or motels that approve family pets.
• Ask friends and family members near your location if they would want to take in your pet. If you leave your pets them behind, they may become trapped or escape and be subjected to many potential dangers.

To lessen evacuation time, take these basic actions: prepare emergency materials and traveling sets. If you need to get away from home, plan for the worst-case situation. Assume that you might not be able to return for several weeks.

Ensure all pets have collars and tags with updated contact numbers.

Your pet's ID tag should include their name, your phone number, and any immediate clinical needs (if there are any). The ASPCA advises microchipping your pet for a long-term form of identification. Microchips are great because they are implanted under the skin and read by a scanner at most animal shelters.

Keep an emergency kit and leashes close to the exit at all times.

Ensure that every person in the family knows where the kit is and is clearly labeled and easy to bring. Your evacuation plan pack should include the following:

• Food and water
• Medication
• A photo of your family pet in case you get separated at some point.

While these suggestions can't stop tragedies like this from happening, they can help keep your pets in case unexpected emergencies strike. Keep these pointers in mind. Remember that being a prepared pet owner is always the most effective line of protection when it involves your pets.