Adelphia Fire Company Now Equipped with Pet Oxygen Masks

Pet parents in Howell Township can breathe a little easier: first responders here have a new tool to help save family pets in home fires and other emergencies. The Adelphia Fire Company recently received a donation of three sets of pet oxygen masks from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.

The kits were requested by Adelphia former chief and training officer Brian Prochnow after he learned about Canine Company’s philanthropic effort to get pet oxygen masks into the hands of first responders.

“The Adelphia Fire Company is beyond grateful for the generous donation of pet oxygen mask kits,” said Prochnow. “We recognize the fact that pets are a part of people’s families, too! We are now more prepared to help all members of the household in their time of need.”

Family pets are at special risk during a home fire because they are unable to leave the house without help. An estimated 40,000 die each year nationwide from smoke inhalation, according to insurance industry estimates. Human oxygen masks do not fit the shape of pets’ snouts, making it difficult for first responders to provide oxygen on scene. Pet oxygen masks are cone-shaped to fit over an animal’s snout.

Each donated set of masks includes three sizes to fit a wide range of pets – from small mammals like rabbits to giant breed dogs. The masks have been used by first responders to save at least nine pets so far this year, including .

“Our company was founded by a family of pet lovers and our mission is to help other families keep their pets healthy, safe and happy at home,” said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company. “We do that with the products and services we offer, and through our pet masks donation campaign. We are delighted to provide these masks to Howell firefighters to help protect family pets in their district.”

To ensure rescuers know there are pets in a home, Canine Company has offered free “Pets Inside” decals to local pet parents. The stickers are available from Adelphia Fire Company, or can be requested by mail through the Request a Decal form on Canine Company’s website.

Canine Company helps families across New York, New England and New Jersey keep their pets healthy, safe and happy at home with services like Invisible Fence pet containment systems and Manners dog obedience training. Over the past decade, the Company has donated masks to more than 500 fire departments and rescue squads across the northeast. For more information, visit www.caninecompany.com.

Adelphia Fire Company was founded in 1927 and provides fire protection to the northern most areas of Howell.. The company responds to emergency calls of all types including, but not limited to, all types of fires, fire and carbon monoxide alarms, and motor vehicle accidents. The company operates out of two stations, is 100% volunteer and currently has more than 60 active members. For more information or be volunteer, visit www.adelphiafirecompany.com.