House Fire Prevention for Houston Pets

At Animal Admiration Pet Care, our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastating wildfires sweeping through Southern California. The immense challenges faced by pets and their families during this crisis have been both heartbreaking and inspiring. We extend our deepest gratitude to the remarkable area shelters and rescue organizations, particularly Pasadena Humane, who have heroically cared for hundreds of displaced and injured animals. Their tireless efforts to provide shelter, medical treatment, and hope during these challenging times demonstrate the incredible compassion of our animal welfare community. While Houston may not get wildfires like those in California, house fires are always a concern no matter where we live. Today, I’m digging into house fire prevention for Houston pets. While the idea of losing our home and our valuables is awful, losing our pets in such a tragic way would be an absolute nightmare.

preventing house fires for houston petsPreventing House Fires

Per the AVMA, “About 40,000 pets die in residential fires each year, most from smoke inhalation, and 500,000 pets are affected overall.”

Protecting our beloved pets from house fires is a crucial responsibility for every pet owner. By taking proactive measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of fires and ensure our furry friends stay safe.

Keeping Pets From Starting Fires

Preventing Kitchen Fires

A number of home fires that hurt our companion animals are started by the pets themselves. Stoves and cooktops are said to be the number one cause of pet-started home fires. To mitigate this risk, remove stove knobs when not in use or install protective covers like these, which are used for babies and toddlers. Keep pets away from the kitchen area during cooking, and never leave the stove unattended. And, keep a fire blanket handy for any kitchen fires.

cat sleeping by open flame preventing home fires for houston petsSecuring Open Flames

Open flames pose another significant danger. Avoid leaving candles burning when you’re not present, or better yet, switch to flameless LED alternatives. If you have a fireplace, use a sturdy screen to keep pets at a safe distance. Never leave pets unsupervised around space heaters, and ensure they’re placed at least three feet away from flammable objects.

Preventing Electrical Fires

Electrical hazards are another concern. Pets may chew on exposed wires, potentially causing fires. Cover or hide electrical cords, and unplug them when not in use. Avoid using electric blankets with pets, as they may damage the wiring. And, discard all stripped, frayed, or otherwise damaged cords and cables – do not attempt to fix them with electrical tape – because most of the modern-day cords pose a greater fire and electrocution danger once damaged.

If you notice any of these signs in and around your home, call an electrician!

Preventing Fires Inside and Outside the Home

keeping yard from igniting a fire houston texasKeeping Your Yard from Igniting

Outdoor safety is equally important as indoor safety. Refrain from using glass water bowls on wooden decks, for example, as they can concentrate sunlight and ignite the wood. Opt for ceramic or stainless steel bowls instead. And, make sure brush and debris is regularly cleaned up because, especially when piled up in large quantities and exposed to heat sources like open flames or sparks, dry leaves, grass clippings, and pine needles create a significant fire hazard, particularly during dry and windy weather conditions.

Monitoring Your Home

Installing and maintaining smoke alarms is crucial for early fire detection. Place alarms on every level of your home and test them monthly. Consider interconnected alarms that all sound when one detects smoke.

Preparing to Evacuate the Home

Developing a comprehensive fire escape plan that includes your pets is essential. Identify multiple exit routes from each room and designate a meeting spot outside. Practice your escape plan regularly, including your pets in the drills. Keep leashes and carriers near exits for quick access during emergencies.

please save our pets sign houston texasAssisting Firefighters in a Rescue

To aid firefighters in rescuing your pets, place pet alert window clings on your front windows, indicating the number and types of pets inside. Also, consider keeping pets near entrances when you’re not home to facilitate easier rescue if ever there comes a need.

And, never risk your life by re-entering a burning building to save your pets. Instead, inform firefighters about any pets still inside and let the professionals handle the rescue. Often, the pets are hidden somewhere safe and may have a better chance for survival if a professional handles their recovery from the home.

Animal Admiration Pet sitting dog walking Services Katy, TX

Always Attentive Care for Houston Pets

By implementing preventive measures and having a solid emergency plan in place, we can significantly reduce the risk of house fires and protect our pets. At Animal Admiration Pet Care, we make fire safety a priority in our homes and yours!

New clients, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services. Our team of outstanding cat care providers offers quality care dog sitting, cat sitting, and dog walking in KatyFulshearRichmondEnergy CorridorMemorialWest Houston, and Cypress.

Existing clients schedule your pet care visits here.

Previous

Next

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Animal Admiration Pet sitting dog walking Services Katy, TX

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from Animal Admiration.

 

You have Successfully Subscribed!