6 Pet Fire Safety Tips for Homeowners

Pets are bona fide, integral members of the family. But finding a home with pet-friendly features can be quite a hassle leaving many animal lovers in a pickle. Let our REALTORS® find you safe, welcoming homes for creatures great and small, like these pet-proof Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale.

Every year an estimated 40,000 pets die in home fires, mostly from smoke inhalation and inability to escape. Not only is it essential to find a home that has features designed to keep your pets safe, but you should be more mindful of the fire-related hazards in your home.

It's vital to pet-proof your home. Here are some pet fire safety tips to start you off.

Fire Safety Tips That Could Save Your Pet's Life

1. Watch your candles
   Don't leave your pet unattended near an open flame. Pets are generally curious creatures; they'll investigate everything from a candle to the fire burning in your fireplace. Make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame.
   
   Also, it's a good idea to invest in flameless candles. Cats are notorious for knocking over lit candles with their tails when running about the place.
   
   
2. Use a Pet Sticker on Your Home
   The main reason pets die in house fires is because firefighters didn't know to look for pets when they arrived at the scene. Window stickers informing them of the type and number of pets in your home will alert them to prioritize saving your pets. You can find such stickers online or at your local vet's office or fire department.
   
   
3. Remove Stove Knobs
   A stove or cooktop is the number one home appliance involved in your pet starting a fire. Lock or remove stove knobs before leaving the house. The last thing you want is a stray tail accidentally switching the burner on.
   
   
4. Secure Young Pets
   Keep your fur babies secured and away from potential fire-starting hazards, especially when you're away from home. You can keep them safe in crates or guarded behind baby gates in safe zones. Better safe than sorry with the young ones, especially puppies.
   
   
5. Pet-Proof Your Home
   Provide pets with an escape route in case of fires. Avoid locking them in rooms that don't have an escape option. If you absolutely must lock them away, keep them near your entrances.
   
   Help firefighters help your pets. Keep them in areas where they can easily be extracted and keep their collars on them. Frightened animals behave erratically, making it difficult to guide them to safety.
   
   
6. Understand Your Pet
   Most homeowners assume that pets will simply leave through an open door or window in case of a fire. Unfortunately, it's far more common for a pet to stay put indoors when they're afraid. Your home is a safe space for them, and they might fear what lies outside more. Sometimes they even run back inside.
   
   So, how does your pet behave when he or she is frightened? Does your dog cower in the tub during a thunderstorm? If that's the case, she'll likely hide out in the tub during a fire. Understand your pet, reassure them, and train them to come out when you call. Practice a home fire escape plan and practice taking your pets with you.

Your Number One Source for Pet-Friendly Housing

Looking for a pet-friendly neighborhood with abundant veterinary clinics and dog parks? Well, you've come to the right place. At Haring Realty, we love and value pets just as much as you do.

Contact us today, and we'll help you find a safe, comfortable home for your furry friends.