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National Pet Fire Safety Day - July 15

Last Updated 7/14/2023 • Posted in Latest City News, Statesville Fire Department, Homepage

National Pet Fire Safety Day is observed on July 15 each year. You can help protect your pets by knowing the facts and being prepared! The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners' pets.

Tips for Preventing House Fires

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.

Secure Young Pets

Keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.

Make an Emergency Kit

Assemble a portable emergency kit with enough supplies to last 7 days. Suggested items to include:

Medications and medical records
Leases, harnesses, carriers
Current photos in case pet is lost
Bowls, cat litter and pan, can opener
Plastic bags and paper towels to clean up pet waste
Toys and blankets or pet bed
Emergency contact numbers
Food and bottled water

Help Firefighters Help Your Pets

Keep pets near entrances when away from home. Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. 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 and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.