National Pet Fire Safety Day

At Fire Systems of Michigan, we love our pets as much as you do. That’s why, every year on July 15, we celebrate National Pet Fire Safety Day — a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of fire safety for our beloved pets.

As responsible pet owners, it’s our duty to ensure the safety of our furry friends not only during our daily routines but also in the event of a fire emergency. 

The History of National Pet Fire Safety Day

According to the American Red Cross, approximately 500,000 pets are affected by fires each year.

National Pet Fire Safety Day was first established by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and ADT Security Services to educate pet owners about the risks and precautions to take regarding fire safety.

How You Can Observe National Pet Fire Safety Day

Observing National Pet Fire Safety Day is an opportunity to positively impact your pet’s life and protect them from fires.

• Gain knowledge: Educate yourself, your staff, and coworkers about fire safety. Take time to learn about important measures such as installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers and creating comprehensive evacuation plans.
• ID your pet: Invest in pet identification like microchips and ID tags that contain up-to-date contact information. These simple measures can significantly increase the chances of reuniting with your pet if you’re separated during a fire.
• Pet-proof your environment: Create a safe environment for your pets by eliminating potential fire hazards. This includes removing open flames, securing electrical cords, and keeping candles out of reach. 
• Create an emergency plan: Make pets a component of your emergency plan. Consider where your pets typically hide in stressful situations. 
• Conduct regular fire drills: Fire drills aren’t just for humans; they’re beneficial for pets too. Practice routine fire drills that include your pets, training them to respond to alarms and follow designated evacuation routes calmly.
• Use pet safety stickers: Display pet safety stickers on your windows and doors to let firefighters know there are pets in your building. Organizations like the ASPCA provide free pet safety packs, which include these stickers.

Tips To Help Prevent Fires Caused by Pets

Prevention is key to protecting our pets and businesses from fire hazards. Here are some essential tips to help minimize the risk:

• Never leave open flames unattended: Pets are naturally curious and can easily knock over candles or incense burners, causing a fire. Always supervise pets around open flames and consider using flameless alternatives, like LED candles or diffusers.
• Secure electrical cords: Pets, particularly puppies and kittens, may chew on electrical cords, risking electrocution and fire. Keep cords out of their reach or use cord covers to prevent chewing.
• Avoid using space heaters: Space heaters are a common cause of fires. Pets can knock them over or get too close, resulting in a dangerous situation. If you must use a space heater, use it in an area inaccessible to pets, and always turn it off when you leave the room.
• Practice responsible cooking: Pets are attracted to the smells and tastes of food, so keeping them away from the kitchen while cooking is important.

Pet Fire Safety at Work

Creating a pet-friendly fire safety environment in businesses helps ensure the well-being of both employees and their furry companions. 

By using fire-resistant construction materials, clear evacuation plans that include pets, and pet identification strategies, businesses can minimize the risk of fire incidents and effectively respond to emergencies.

Bringing pet fire safety into workplace policies and procedures demonstrates a commitment to the safety and happiness of employees and their pets.

Fire Protection Services With Fire Systems of Michigan

National Pet Fire Safety Day serves as an important reminder of the potential fire hazards that pets can create and the steps we can take to prevent fires and protect our beloved furry companions. 

And for businesses looking to prioritize fire safety, Fire Systems of Michigan is the trusted partner you need.

With our expertise in fire protection services, including the installation and maintenance of fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, and 24/7 monitoring services, we can help businesses create a safer environment for employees, customers, and even pets.

By working with Fire Systems of Michigan, businesses can have peace of mind knowing they’ve taken proactive steps to protect their property and ensure the well-being of everyone within.

Call Fire Systems of Michigan at 313-255-0053 to request fire safety services.