While most people are fire savvy in preventing or managing an unintentional fire, the fact is, few people think about the potential hazards their beloved cat, dog or other animals could pose in the home.
The National Fire Protection Association estimated that nearly 1 000 house fires each year are accidentally started by homeowners’ pets.
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According to Theunis Kotze, general manager of ADT Inland Region, many fires are caused by pets, especially when they are left alone. If one is aware of the potential dangers, then at least one can prevent accidents.
Kotze added that animals are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace.To minimise the fire hazards in your home, you need to ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame, and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home. Also, be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house.
ADT recommend the following:
- Develop a plan for your pet by determining which family member will be responsible for each pet
- Know where your pets hide, as this may be the first place they go if there is a fire
- Ask someone in your family or a friend in advance if they would be willing to keep your pets for you in case of an emergency
- Practise an escape plan so that it can help everyone feel more comfortable about what they need to do. This will help identify issues that are not clear or have not been well planned
- Keep collars on pets and leashes handy in case firefighters need to rescue your pet
- When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
“It takes some simple planning to include your pets in your home evacuation plans and to minimise the fire hazards in your home. For pet lovers it’s an invaluable time investment,” Kotze said.
Details: ADT 0860 100 911.
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