07/23/2026
With all the wildfires that have been happening, this is an important reminder!
We all know the importance of having a fire safety plan in place, in the event of an at-home blaze, but did you know you need to also include your pets? Not only does this ensure you are able to get them out safely, but it also lets first responders know of any pets in the residence.
Here are some tips:
💨 Make sure you have working smoke alarms in the home. Test them once a month, and replace any that are past their expiry date.
🐶 We all know the importance of microchips, so make sure your pet has one with its information up-to-date, in case they escape during an emergency situation.
🏃 Have an escape plan, which includes everyone knowing their role (including who is responsible for grabbing the pets) and the best routes to take out of the house.
🧑🚒 Let first responders know of any pets in the house. This can't always be done in a chaotic emergency situation, so it's recommended placing an alert sticker on your door or on one of your front windows, detailing the number and type of pets who live with you.
🏥 Have a pet-specific emergency kit prepared. Similar to the one you'd keep in your vehicle for yourself, this should include the necessities: food, water, leash, blanket(s), medication, important documents and a few toys.
On top of all this, prevention is key! Keep all lit and exposed flames out of reach of pets, and if your furry friend is a chewer, make sure electrical cords are out of sight and away from their mouths. Oh, and if you have a fireplace, keep them away from it!
What are some additional fire safety tips pet owners should consider?