Preventing Pets from Starting Home Fires

An estimated 500,000 pets are affected each year by home fires.  However, according to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 1,000 of those fires are accidentally started by the homeowners’ pets.

To prevent pets from starting fires, as well as keep them safe, the American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services provide these tips.

Extinguish open flames – Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace.  Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.

Remove stove knobs – Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house – a stove or cook top is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.

Invest in flameless candles – These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.

Keep Pets Near Entrances When Away From Home – When leaving pets home alone keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.

Affix a Pet Alert Window Cling – Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window.

Photo – New York Times