Pet Fire Safety

Pet Fire Safety Tips

July 15th is National Pet Fire Safety Day. We have some tips on how to keep your pet safe! Lucy Pet Foods™ and the Lucy Pet Foundation™ are very aware of fire safety, as our own Joey Herrick and his family lost their home to a fast-moving wildfire that swept through Malibu, CA in 2018. See below for a video of the aftermath of the Woolsey Fire as he discusses fire safety with KTLA.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that nearly half a million pets are impacted by these residential fires each year in the United States. To prevent and be ready for a potential house fire, it’s crucial to include your pets in your fire safety plan.

Preventing Accidental Fires at Home

Always oversee your pet when it comes to easy fire hazards at home. Pets are naturally curious and can accidentally knock over cooking equipment, candles, lamps or bump into space heaters. When leaving home for work, keep in mind the gas burners on your kitchen stove. Pets shouldn’t be allowed to be left alone in a kitchen where a pilot light can accidentally light up the stove.

Fireplace safety: Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen on a fireplace and secure it properly. Keep pets away from chimney vents. Create a “pet-free zone” at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from the fireplace as glass doors and screens can remain hot for hours after the fire is out.

Opt for battery-operated, flameless candles as a safer alternative.

Be cautious with pets that may chew on electrical cords and monitor them closely. 

Preparing for a Possible Fire

Have an emergency pet supply bag ready. Lucy Pet® Dog Food Rolls can be one of the “Top 10 Items” to consider for your emergency preparedness kit. They can be stored at room temperature until opened! Also have medication, water, a photo of your pet, leashes and carriers, as well as medical records ready.

Your pet should be an important part of your family emergency plan. Practice how to take them with you. Assign roles to family members for grabbing pets and their essentials (food, medication, photo, leashes, carriers, medical records) during an emergency to ensure a swift and efficient response.

Ensure your pet’s ID collar and microchip database contain updated contact information. This information will assist rescuers in reuniting you with your pet if they become lost during a fire.

Familiarize yourself with your pet’s hiding spots and create easy access points in case of an emergency. While it’s good for your pet to have a safe space, being able to quickly locate and retrieve them during a crisis is crucial.

When Evacuating During a Fire

When a fire occurs, try to quickly evacuate your home with your pet. If locating or securing them takes too long, prioritize your own and your family’s safety by leaving immediately. Inform responders promptly that your pet is still inside so they can assist in the search.

Remember to grab leashes and carriers as you exit the house. The chaos outside may cause your pet to flee to a safer area.

Avoid reentering a burning building. If you cannot find your pet, exit, leave the door open, and call out to them from a safe distance. Allow firefighters to handle the search for your pet.

For more information, download the Pet Fire Safety Tip Sheet from the NFPA.

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See below the video of the aftermath of the Woolsey Fire as Joey Herrick discusses fire safety and emergency preparedness with KTLA.