1,000 House Fires Are Started By Pets Every Year And Here’s How You Can Help Prevent This From Happening To You
You removed the knobs from the stove and shooed them off the counters, but your cat still jumps on the burners, and your dog is determined to steal waffles right off the iron.
It may seem cute or even annoying at times, but it’s not. Instead, it’s dangerous and a fire hazard.
Believe it or not, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires are accidentally started by pets every year. As a result, more than 500,000 pets are affected by house fires causing injuries and even death.
Scary stuff, but you can help prevent your fur babies and other pets from starting fires and getting injured.
Prevention is the best way to safeguard your home and your four-legged children. The American Kennel Club, ADT Security Services, and American Red Cross have prevention suggestions. Ironically, the tips are almost the same as for babies and toddlers of the human kind.
Never leave an open flame unattended. Reduce open flame exposure. Pets are curious and may try to investigate candles and fireplaces.
Use flameless candles and a fireplace enclosure to discourage pets from knocking them over or, worse, catching their tail on fire.
Keep the animals off the stove. The NFPA says a stove or cooktop is the number-one cause of fires started by pets.
So invest in dog training, use safety covers, remove stove knobs, and discourage climbing in the kitchen.
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Keep young pets secured, and do not leave them unattended when you leave the room or the house entirely. Use a crate or baby gates to block them from potential fire hazards.
Hide or secure loose wires and cables. Dogs and cats can sometimes chew on electric cords and even electric blankets. If the cables are damaged or the wires are exposed, they can spark and cause electrocution or a fire. You might also think about unplugging unnecessary cords when you leave the house.
Finally, never use a glass bowl on a wooden porch. The glass can focus the sun’s rays enough to cause smoldering and eventually start a fire.
These small steps can help save your life and the lives of your loved ones with two legs or four. Keep your home and your babies safe.
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