Everyone I know loves there #Pets and I’m excited to let you know July 15th is National Pet Fire Safety Day #PetFireSafetyDay. I don’t know about you but my puppy is more like my child than a dog just like Charlie’s is. Which is why I’m excited to learn more about #PetFireSafetyDay and how we can protect our dogs. Would you like to join my family in celebrating #PetFireSafteyDay not only today but everyday of our lives.
National Pet Fire Safety Day takes place every year on July 15th. NATIONAL PET FIRE SAFETY DAY is about keeping our pets safe during one of the scariest things we can imagine. NATIONAL PET FIRE SAFETY DAY was started by the Kennel Club and ADT Security in 2009 to help pet owners learn safety measures to protect their beloved pets and homes from fire, and it’s a great opportunity to learn how to keep your fur baby safe.
While our animals are oftentimes the culprit behind devastating fires, it’s a little ironic that dogs (specifically Dalmatians) have become an American icon associated with firefighters today. Let’s briefly explore how that came to be. A few hundred years ago, dogs were trained to trot alongside horse-drawn wagons and protect their occupants (and horses) from harm.
Dalmatians quickly became the ideal carriage dog for their strength, vitality, fortitude, and size. Dalmatians also had a reputation for getting along well with horses and were known to have a calming effect while firefighters were battling a blaze. Overtime as motorized fire trucks replaced carriages, Dalmatians and other fire pups were seen less aboard fire trucks and more as on-site firehouse residents and mascots.
Today, many firefighters have pet Dalmatians, and firehouses around the Country still have Dalmatians as station dogs. However, Dalmatians aren’t the only dog in the firehouse. It’s become common for firefighters (and sometimes entire fire teams) to adopt dogs rescued from fires. These lucky pups, whatever their breed, become symbols of the resiliency, bravery, and fortitude of firefighters and the individuals they help.
These dogs also take important steps into education and helping firefighters demonstrate fire safety and emergency preparedness for schools and community groups across the Country. Teaching that pets cause over 1,000 house fires each year in the United States and the preventive measures we can take to protect our beloved companions.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PET FIRE SAFETY DAY
- On July 15th, get a free Pet Fire Safety Window Cling at your local volunteer firehouse. First responders will see this sticker and know to look out for any pets inside.
- Use #PetFireSafetyDay to post on Social Media and raise awareness to friends and family about NATIONAL PET FIRE SAFETY DAY and ways that they can keep their pets safe from fires.
- For families with kids, this tradition is even more important. Discuss your family evacuation plan, designate someone to carry out the pets and execute a fire drill on NATIONAL PET FIRE SAFETY DAY every year.
FACTS ABOUT PET FIRE SAFETY
- Pets cause over 1,000 house fires each year in the United States
- Nearly 360,000 house fires occur each year in the United States.
- Over 40,000 pets die every year in house fires and awareness can save lives.
- There are thousands of stories about pets, even snakes, saving humans from house fires.
- The #1 tip is to have an escape plan that includes your pets.
WHY NATIONAL PET FIRE SAFETY DAY IS IMPORTANT
- Discuss with your family who will be in charge of rescuing your pet in the event of a fire. Planning and practicing fire drills will help the family remain calm and help ensure that your pets are not forgotten during a chaotic evacuation.
- As part of your evacuation plan, include a list of your pet’s hiding places, so that firefighters will know where to look in case your pets don’t make it out with you. Also, make sure your pets have collars with up to date tags attached in case they escape on their own.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
