Fire Safety & Your Pets

7/21/2019 (Permalink)

Pet Oxygen Mask Bags - donated by SERVPRO of Eaton, Clinton, and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt

It's important to include your pets in your fire evacuation plan. After all, they're family too! In the event of a fire, you will likely have your mind set on getting your family, and yourself, safely out of your home. To ensure your entire family (pets included) gets to a safe spot quickly, here are a few tip to make sure nobody gets left behind.

 *KEEP COLLARS AND LEASHES AT EXIT

Animals, like humans, can get disoriented and scared when a fire happens. The combination of loud alarms, smoke, and flames in their home can make even the most calm pet panic. Be sure to keep all members of your family close and safe.

 *KNOW WHERE YOUR PETS ARE AT

Knowing where your pets are at all times helps to decrease the time it takes to get them out of the house safely. In the evenings, be sure your pet is in his/her crate, or barricaded into a room. Sometimes animals will hide when they get scared, so keeping them in a designated safe place will make your rescue mission a lot easier.

 *INCLUDE PETS WHEN PRACTICING EVACUATION DRILLS

We all know, after making an exit strategy for house fire, or what to do in the event of a tornado, we should practice. Don't forget to practice with your pet. Designate a family member to retrieve your animal(s) and PRACTICE WITH THEM! This helps to reduce any confusion on who should be doing what in the event of a real emergency.

SERVPRO knows that the safety of your pets is important following a disaster, so we've done our part in outfitting our community's local fire departments with pet oxygen masks. This ensures that all beings in the home have access to clean oxygen after potential smoke inhalation. Stay safe neighbors! And remember, practice makes perfect.