Firefighters urge inclusion of pets in family fire escape plan
Most parents know the importance of family fire escape plans for themselves and their children, but firefighters urge pet owners to practice getting their pets to safety as well.
As families spend vacations away from home during the summer months, they often leave their animals with less supervision.
Belvedere Fire Chief Chad Hyler is encouraging families to equip their homes with the latest in fire safety technology to protect human and animal life.
“We also encourage pet owners to use a window cling, posted near the front of the home, to help our firefighters quickly identify the accurate number of pets inside so they can be rescued once the humans are safe,” he said.
Firefighters remind pet owners to evacuate pets on a leash or in a pet carrier if possible, and know your pets hiding places.
Also remember to extinguish open flames. Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles or even a fire in your fireplace.
Take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might start fires inadvertently, such as the stove knobs, loose wires and other potential hazards.
Secure young pets, especially young puppies, that should be kept away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
Practice escape routes with pets and keep collars and leashes available in case of an emergency and keep your window cling information updated.
Many participating fire departments will have these stickers, including Belvedere Fire Department. They are also for sale at most pet stores.
Stickers can be picked up at 204 Hampton Ave. in Belvedere and are offered free at www.adt.com/pets.
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The Best Places for Animal Lovers to Live
Nearly 40 percent of American families own at least one dog, a pet that demands some green space. Cat, rabbit, bird and other kinds of pet owners aren’t so concerned about space and weather, but they are affected by local and state regulations that limit where pets are permitted and what kinds of vaccines they need.
U.S. News & World Reporttook all these issues into account when it created its list of best places for pet lovers to live. It also considered the number of dog parks, proximity of large academic veterinary centers and legal tolerance for pets in public spaces like beaches, outdoor restaurants, and public parks.
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