How safe is your pet during load shedding?
The following tips might help protect not only your home but also loved ones from accidental fire.
MBOMBELA – Today is National Pet Fire Safety Day in America and although nothing is really made of this particular day in South Africa, the following tips provided by the American Kennel Club, might be good to remember.
According to the National Fire Protection Association nearly 1 000 house fires are accidentally started each year by pets. Taking into consideration the the amount of load-shedding in the country, this is very much applicable on home ground at the moment.
The following tips might help protect not only your home but also loved ones from accidental fire:
1. Extinguish open flames
Don’t leave your pets unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
2. Avoid glass water bowls on wooden decks
The sun’s rays when filtered through glass water bowls can heat up and ignite the wooden deck. Choose stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead.
3. Keep pets near entrances when you’re out
Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready 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.
4. Secure young pets
Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.
5. Consider using monitored smoke detectors
Monitored smoke detectors, which are connected to a monitoring center, allow emergency response personnel to be contacted when your pets are trapped. These systems provide an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms.
6. Affix a Pet Alert Window Cling
Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to update the number of pets listed.
7. Invest in flameless candles
These candles contain a light bulb, in stead of an open flame, and eradicate the danger of your pet knocking over a candle.
