Pet fire safety: How to protect your furry family members

For most Canadians – around 60 per cent of us – pets are part of the family. Keeping them healthy and safe is just part of pet ownership.  

But when it comes to emergencies caused by fire, pets can sometimes get lost in the chaos, especially if they are scared and hide or escape. 

Pets are part of a family fire emergency plan

A fire safety plan should also include your cat or dog because fire safety isn’t just about prevention but also about being prepared if an emergency occurs.  

While you may already take some precautions, such as not leaving pets unattended by an open flame, it’s a good idea to go over emergency plans regularly, especially in the dry summer months when wildfires become a reality.  

Prepare your pets if evacuation is needed

Have an escape plan

Preparing for a fire is crucial for your safety and your pets. Every minute counts in an emergency and having a fire evacuation procedure can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents. Ensure each family member has an assigned role (including who will get the pets) and knows the best exits in an emergency.  

Keep a fire safety kit

Your fire safety kit should include pet essentials such as food, water, medications, and comfort items. 

Pet alert window decals

Place a pet rescue alert sticker near the front door indicating the number and type of pets in your home. This information can be crucial for firefighters during rescue operations.  

Keep pets and their accessories by the front door

If your pet is kept in a crate or gated area while you’re out, it is best to keep it close to an entrance. Their leashes, carriers, and crates should also be near an easily accessible entrance.

Pet identification

Ensure your pets wear collars with up-to-date identification tags that include your current phone number. Microchipping your pets is also recommended to increase the chances of a reunion if they get lost during a fire.

Buy a monitored smoke alarm

A traditional battery-operated smoke detector isn’t helpful if your pet is home alone. Upgrade to a monitored smoke detector that will alert you and the nearest fire station if a fire starts in your home. 

Block pets' hiding places

Before leaving the house, seal the hiding spots that your furry friend retreats to when scared so firefighters can find them more easily in case of a fire.

Set up pet shelters away from the house

If your pet has its own space outdoors, ensure it is safe from the house and isn’t surrounded by flammable plants in case it retreats during a fire.

Preventive measures to safeguard your pet

Limit fire hazards in your home to reduce the risk of fire. This likely means implementing additional measures if you have furry loved ones roaming around. Here are ways to help prevent flames from happening in the first place.  

Use cord protectors and keep outlets covered

Pets chewing on electrical cords or playing by outlets could lead to dangerous sparks or shorts. Ensure cables are unplugged while not in use or inaccessible to pets, and secure any table lamps.

Never leave a burning candle unattended

The flick of a tail can knock over a candle. Battery-operated flameless candles are a great alternative to eliminate the risk of your pet knocking over an open flame. 

Keep pets away from hot appliances

Heated appliances such as irons and hair dryers can produce enough heat that if knocked over by a cat or dog, it could start a fire. Keep pets off countertops and stoves as well to avoid stove knobs accidentally being turned on.  

Have pet insurance

You have home insurance to protect the building and personal items inside in case of a fire. But what if your pet were injured in a fire and required emergency veterinary care? You don’t want to be stuck in a situation where you cannot afford the help it needs.