My wife Colleen and I have two toy Pomeranian’s – Boo and Kadee. Boo was saved by one of our sons, and Kadee we ‘inherited’ when another one of our sons was traveling and playing football in Europe.
Like most pet owners, we treat Boo and Kadee as if they are our children. So, their safety and well-being is a concern whenever we are not at home with them. In fact, Colleen doesn’t want to go on vacations or travel unless we can take ‘the children’ with us.
The main cause of concern we have for their safety is fire. Every year 40,000 pets are killed in house fires! Here are a few simple things you can do to protect your pets in the event of fire at your home when you aren’t there:
• Display pet alert decals prominently in your front and back windows to alert first responders that you have pets inside. You can get pet alert decals at your pet store, fire department, from your security alarm company, or you can buy them online.
• Keeping your yard clean and hedges trimmed will help minimize the possibility of a brush fire near your home.
• Have your heating and AC system inspected every spring and fall. Gas appliances and equipment can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is known as ‘the silent killer ‘ because it is tasteless and odorless. Carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for more than 400 human deaths and 20,000 trips to the emergency room each year.
• Invest in a monitored home security alarm system that will alert you via text or email of a fire or carbon monoxide detection, while simultaneously dispatching the fire department.
• Be sure at least one trusted neighbor has a key to your home. If there is an emergency, they may be able open a door to let firemen in—or your pet out.
Following these simple pet safety tips will give you peace of mind that your pets are safe at home, and that you have security measures in place if there is a fire or emergency at you home while you are gone, you know your pet will be protected.
