Protect Pets and People from Fire and Heat Dangers

7/14/2010 4:01:13 PM

Contact: Betsy Clement 562-4664

Protect Pets and People from Fire and Heat Dangers

CLEARWATER, Fla. – In response to the National Fire Protection Agency’s announcement of July 15 as Pet Safety Day, Clearwater Fire & Rescue is urging Clearwater pet owners to take precautions to keep pets away from hazards that could start a fire and to make provisions for pet evacuations in the event of a fire or other disaster. In addition, it is important to remember not to leave pets inside closed vehicles in Florida’s summer heat.

Data from the National Fire Protection Agency shows that 500,000 pets annually are affected by house fires and 1,000 pets actually start fires by such means as knocking over candles, getting into lighted fireplaces or coming in contact with stove knobs. Removing knobs, extinguishing fireplace fires or using flameless candles around pets can help avoid such incidents.

In addition, the agency recommends ways to keep pets safe from other fire dangers and get them out of a home in the event of a blaze. Keeping collars and leashes near exits, practicing evacuations of pets, and securing pets in locations away from fire hazards will help prevent accidents. “All Clearwater emergency apparatus are equipped with resuscitation masks for pets,” said Assistant Fire Chief Doug Swartz. “But not having to use them is a far better defense.”

In addition, affixing a pet alert window cling containing the names and number of pets to a front window will help rescue units get pets to safety in the event of an emergency.

More information is available by visiting www.nvfc.org/windowclings, www.adt.com/pets and www.mydogiscool.com.