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.

Your pets need to be prepared for an emergency

We've all heard the importance of being prepared in the event of a disaster, whether it be an earthquake or a house fire. But have you considered that your pets need to be prepared for an emergency as well?

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day was on May 13, and we thought discussing your pet's safety in an emergency would be a good way to celebrate this holiday.

There are many of us who don't realize how important it is to be prepared for a disaster and have a plan; including a plan for our beloved pets.

Here are some useful ideas for pet emergency preparedness:

Make sure your pet has proper identification. Your address, phone number, pet's name and vet's phone number are important things to have on ID tags. Having your pet microchipped is ideal.

Assemble a pet emergency kit. Include these items:

Pet food
Bottled water
Food/water dishes
Medications
Cat litter/pan/scoop
Garbage/poop bags
Manual can opener
First aid kit
Leashes/collars/harnesses
Pet carrier/cage
Blanket
Toys
Bed
Current vaccine records and medical history




Arrange shelter for your pet beforehand. Most emergency shelters do not allow pets due to public health reasons. Make a list of possible boarding facilities and shelters (some animal shelters allow temporary care in an emergency, but should be considered as a last resort) and include phone numbers and addresses. Create a list of motels and hotels that allow pets in advance. Also, find a family member or friend outside your immediate area who would be willing to foster your pet if needed.

No one can determine when a disaster may strike. Be aware of your geographical area so you may anticipate disaster and plan accordingly. If you are not safe in the event of an emergency, neither is your pet. Your pet is a family member and needs to be protected if something bad happens. Take proper precautions as we've mentioned and always BE PREPARED!









For more detailed information about pet emergency preparedness, visit these helpful sites:

Ready
Red Cross
ASPCA *this site provides important tips for birds, reptiles and small animals*