What about my pets during a fire?

Prevent Your Pet from Starting Fires

  • Extinguish open flames - Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
  • Remove stove knobs - Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a stove or cooktop is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.
  • Invest in flameless candles - These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.
  • Beware of water bowls on wooden decks - Do not leave a glass water bowl for your pet outside on a wooden deck. The sun's rays when filtered through the glass and water can actually heat up and ignite the wooden deck beneath it. Choose stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead.

Keep Your Pets Safe

  • Keep Pets Near Entrances When Away From Home - Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
  • Secure Young Pets - Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.
  • Since Pets Left Alone Can't Escape a Burning Home - Consider using monitored smoke detectors which are connected to a monitoring center so emergency responders can be contacted when you're not home. These systems provide an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms.
  • Affix a Pet Alert Window Cling - Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating their pets. Make sure to update the number of pets listed.

Show All Answers

1. Where can I find contact information for local resources?
2. Where can I find information about what to do after a fire?
3. Where can I find information about Community Preparedness?
4. Where can I find additional information regarding health, law enforcement, and preparedness?
5. How can I get a child seat inspected or installed?
6. Does the Danville Fire Department have a smoke detector program?
7. Can I get a fire station tour?
8. Do I need a fire escape ladder?
9. Why does the Fire Department flow test hydrants?
10. What can I burn? What restrictions apply?
11. Where do I get a burn permit? Is there a fee involved?
12. How can I become a firefighter?
13. How can I become a part-time firefighter?
14. Does the fire department clean chimneys?
15. What can I do if my water is discolored?
16. What about my pets during a fire?