America loves its pets – an estimated 70% of households (more than 90 million homes) have one or more, according to American Pet Products Association!
While our pets can bring us company, protection, and affection, they can also be a few. Every year, more than $100 billion is spent providing for our furry friends.
While most of that is for typical needs like food, veterinary care, and toys, every year 1,000 Americans lose their homes because of a pet.
Here’s how it happens:
Kitchen knob
Many home fires caused by pets start in the kitchen. Based on Humane America, “An accidental nudge of a kitchen knob is the number one cause of home fires caused by pets. By keeping your pet out of the kitchen, you can go a long way in preventing fires. “
Unattended flames
Already a recipe for disaster, unattended fires like candles and wood fires are a source of fascination for pets, especially cats. Make sure that when you leave your pet unattended, you don’t let a fire break out in the same way.
Wire
If your pet is a shoplifter, you may have received this animal’s care. If you’re getting a new pet or you’re unsure, you should look around your home for any loose wires, cables or wires that could injure your pet if chewed. , could potentially short circuit and cause a fire or not mean costly repair if damaged.
No one plans for a house fire, but if you’re smart, you can prepare for emergencies. Make sure your pet’s information is up to date, in case they are lost in a fire. Talk to your family about each person’s responsibilities in the event of a fire or other emergency. And, be aware that pets are highly susceptible to fires of any kind, so they may need evacuation assistance.
National Fire Protection Association suggestions that pet owners make sure that “pets are included in your family’s wildfire evacuation plan. Build an evacuation kit for each pet in your household. ”
With these tips, let’s hope that 2022 is a year with fewer fires both inside and outside the home!
