July 15, is National Pet Fire Safety Day.  It is estimated that approximately 500,000 pets are affected by fire annually.  The National Fire Protection Association has collected data showing nearly 1,000 home fires were caused by household pets each year.  Here are some tips you can use to help keep you pets safe!

�        Extinguish all open flames when leaving a room.  Pets can be curious and they like to check out candles, fireplaces, cooking appliances etc.

�        Remove stove knobs when your stove is not in use or invest in a cover to keep pets from accidentally hitting them and turning them on.

�        Use flameless candles if you have pets.  They are battery operatored and have light bulbs instead of an open flame.  Cats and dogs can be notorious for knocking over candles with their tails.

�        Never use glass bowls outside.  Glass bowls can filter the sun�s rays like a magnifying glass and heat up and ignite wood on a deck and can cause a fire.

�        Pet proof your home.  Walk around and look for potential fire hazards, such as loose wires.

�        Keep pets near entrances to the home when you are away. That way, fire fighters can get to them right away in the case of a fire.

�        Keep your pets secure, especially puppies.  Keep them confined away from fire safety hazards, behind baby gates, or in crates when you are not at home.

�        Practice escape routes with pets.  Keep collars and leashes near exits in case you and your pet need to evacuate in case of an emergency.

�        Consider using monitoring devices connected to a monitoring center to help save pets that cannot escape when left at home.

�        Use pet alert window clings.  Write down the number and type of pets in your home and attach the cling to you window or door.

Free pet alert clings are available through the AKC and www.nvfc.org/windowclings, www.adt.com/pets.  You can also check with your local fire department and see if they have any clings available.

Pets are a part of every ones family and we want to keep them safe, just like we would keep our human families safe.  The preceding information should help keep you do just that as a year round process.

Source:  AKC, FEMA, and U.S. Fire Administration