Reduce Fire Risk To, From Pets: Millburn FD

MILLBURN, NJ - The Millburn Fire Department works to raise awareness about fire prevention measures that can help residents keep their homes and children safe and officials say it’s equally important to remember another vital part of our families — our pets.

Not only are pet owners responsible for keeping their furry friends safe in the event of a fire, but they must also be aware of the potential role their pets can play in inadvertently starting one, officials said.

According to American Humane, more than 500,000 pets are affected by house fires annually — and about 1,000 of these fires are caused by the pets themselves. A curious cat or dog's investigation of a burning candle, or food left unattended on a stove top, can quickly lead to disaster. Pets may also hide during an emergency, preventing their owners from making a quick escape.

Pet owners are advised to be mindful of the following prevention and safety guidelines:

• Reduce possible exposure to open flames. Never leave candles unattended, and keep fireplaces enclosed.
• Secure loose wires and cords to prevent pets from chewing on them.
• Put safety covers on stove knobs, or remove them when not in use. Accidentally nudging stove knobs is the number-one cause of fires started by pets.
• Never leave flammable materials, such as pizza boxes or food packaging, on or near stoves.
• Discourage pets from climbing on kitchen counters, stoves, and other surfaces where they might come in contact with flames and heat sources.
• Include pets in family emergency plans. When conducting a home fire drill, practice taking your pet with you.
• Know your pets’ favorite hiding places, and make sure you can access them in a real emergency.

“In the event of a fire, pet owners should do their best to grab their pets and exit quickly,” said Millburn Fire Department Chief Robert Echavarria. “However, people should never put themselves or their families in danger, or jeopardize their own escape to save a pet. They should also never go back inside a burning house. Firefighters are trained to rescue pets if necessary.”

More information about pet fire safety can be found online, at www.americanhumane.org.

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