Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, and in any imaginable way. That’s why having a plan and being prepared is so important! National Pet Fire Safety Day is July 15, so we want to share some essential tips regarding our favorite furry friends!

1. Pets are curious. Don’t leave open flames in their reach. Extinguish that candle before curiosity gets the cat! Consider replacing traditional candles with flameless counterparts!
2. Pets, especially large dogs, can accidentally bump into and turn on the stove. We advise removing or covering any stove knobs they can reach.
3. Replace glass water bowls with metal or plastic bowls. If glass bowls are left outside on wooden surfaces, the glass can heat up and start a fire!
4. Take note of where your pets like to nap or hide. If you need to evacuate quickly, it’s essential to know where they want to hang out. Pets can be harder to round up if they sense stress, so we recommend practicing things like crate training! If your pets see the crate or carrier as a positive experience, they’re less likely to run away from it in an emergency.
5. Practice escape routes with your pet! It’s critical to have an evacuation plan for all family members, including your pets. Practice getting them in a crate or carrier and out to a safe meeting place.
6. Prepare a go-bag for your pet. In a recent blog post, we talked about how to prepare a go-bag for yourself and your family. We recommend preparing one for your pets as well! Include collars with tags, leashes, food, water, collapsible bowls, medications, and a photo of your pet in case you get separated.
7. Make sure your pets are microchipped and have collars or tags with accurate contact information! We suggest including their name and your contact information. You should list your name, phone number, and address.
8. Have a sticker or window cling visible at the front of your home that identifies how many pets you have. In the event of an emergency, and you’re not home, this will help first responders know how many cats, dogs, birds, or lizards you have. Head to your local pet store, or you can order a safety pack from ASPCA that includes window and door stickers.

Fires, floods, and other natural disasters and emergencies can happen to anyone. It’s essential to be prepared for these events, especially for your pet’s sake! We hope you never have to evacuate and use some of these pet fire safety tips, but it’s always wise to be prepared.

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