Every year in Canada, approximately 24,000 house fires take place. Considering there are roughly 15 million homes across the country, that means there is a 0.17% chance of being involved in a house fire each year.
While this may not seem like a very high number, the repercussions for those affected are life-altering. And with the millions of pets owned in Canada, that means many pets are affected by fires, too.
We are all taught from a young age what to do in case of a fire, yet a surprising number of household fire escape plans don’t include pets. Even more surprising are the number of households that have no emergency escape plan in place. It is crucial for pet owners to not only make a simple fire escape plan that includes their pets, but also to practise it regularly with the whole family. Time is of the essence when it comes to house fires, so having a clearly defined plan in place increases the likelihood of everyone getting to safety in a timely and orderly fashion.
Whether it’s burns or smoke inhalation, pets are susceptible to the same dangers as humans. This can happen rapidly while a home is ablaze, and can potentially be fatal.
One company has made it their mission to keep our pets safe, and through their Project Breathe initiative, Invisible Fence Brand has donated over 23,000 pet-specific masks to fire stations across North America. Almost eight hundred pet masks have gone to fire stations in Ontario, as well. In return for a mask kit, which costs about $150, they simply ask that a donation is made to The Farley Foundation, an organization focused on supporting pets from low-income families.
While the fire department in our amazing town of Meaford is equipped with pet masks, many municipalities are not. To find out what pet-specific equipment and procedures are in place during an emergency, contact your local fire station or police department for more information. If there is no plan or equipment in place, consider guiding them to the Project Breathe initiative.
When it comes to fire safety, preparation is key. Keep important pet-related contact numbers on your fridge and program them into your phone. This includes your veterinarian, animal poison control, and after-hours emergency vet clinic. Post a pet head-count sticker at all entrances to your home, making a note of the number of pets inside (for example: 1 dog, 2 cats, 1 bunny). This will help first responders know what and whom to look for in the event of an emergency.
Pets are responsible for thousands of house fires every year. Many pets love to chew on wires, which may become a serious fire and electrical hazard. Be sure to regularly check wires in areas frequented by pets. Keep electrical cords properly secure and hidden from pets to remove the temptation to chew.
Pets and open flames are bad news. Be sure to keep all pets away from things like candles, BBQs, fire pits, and the stove. Fire can be a source of curiosity for pets, and the last thing you want to deal with is a completely preventable situation, like a lit candle getting knocked over by a curious kitty.
If you are involved in a fire, try your best to take your pets with you, but do not put your own life at risk. Cats can be particularly difficult to find, especially when there is danger present. If you’re not able to bring your pet with you, alert firefighters to any pets that are unaccounted for, and the areas they are most likely to be found, such as their favourite hiding spots.
While statistically the risk of being involved in a house fire is relatively low, it can happen in any home. Fire safety in the home begins with proper preparation. Have an established emergency plan that is clearly understood by the whole family. And always remember, the little fire you leave, can leave you with little.
Brandon Forder – also known as The Pet Expert – is vice-president of Canadian Pet Connection, a family-owned and -operated business located in Meaford. He has over twenty-years’ experience specializing in pet nutrition, behaviour and lifestyle. Canadian Pet Connection is an industry leader committed to providing their clients with the highest levels of personal, attentive service. Learn more at www.CanadianPetConnection.ca.
