Pet Fire Safety

There was recently a fire in the Bountiful/Centerville area that caused many people and their pets to evacuate their homes. Some homes were lost to the fire. During the dry months in Utah, when fires are prevalent, it's important to be prepared in case one strikes the area where you live. And this includes an emergency preparedness plan for getting your pets out safely. This not only applies to wildfires, but also fires caused in your own house.

Evacuating a Home

If you are required to evacuate your home, have the essentials ready to go. Always have a fire preparedness kit for your pet on hand that includes food, medications, leash/carrier, and medical records. Having this ready will save you time.

It's a good idea to have your pet microchipped and make sure ID tags are current. If somehow you lose your pet when evacuating, it will be much easier to find them if they have identification.

Home on Fire

If you're home catches on fire, do your best to locate your pets. However, don't spend your time searching for them if they don't come right away. Get your family and yourself out first, and then allow first responders to rescue your pets. Do not go back into your home to find your pets. If you can't find your pets, leave your door open and call to them. Allow firefighters to go inside the house and rescue your loved ones. 

Be Prepared

• Include your pet in your fire evacuation plan.
• Know where your pet's hideaways, so you can locate them quickly in a fire.
• Put decal in your window with the number/type of pets to help first responders.

You never know when a fire will strike. The fire in the Centerville area affected many people and their pets in a matter of hours. If you're prepared, you can get you and your loved ones to safety.