Protecting Pets from Home Fires

Business Wire,  July 14, 2008  

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

The National Volunteer Fire Council, American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services Join Forces to Offer Safety Tips

GREENBELT, Md. -- The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), The American Kennel Club (AKC) and ADT Security Services are teaming up in an effort to help save the estimated 500,000 pets affected in home fires each year.

During a news conference tomorrow at the Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department in Greenbelt, Maryland, officials will offer lifesaving tips and cite a recent AKC study which indicates 88 percent of pet owners consider pets to be valued family members. They also will explain how home fire monitoring systems, in addition to smoke alarms, can better protect pets left inside while owners are away from the home.

That's something Sammie Miller of Sierra Vista, Ariz. knows well. One Sunday morning, while Miller was at church, her home filled with smoke after a pot of beans simmering on the stove, boiled over. Her beloved cat, Peaches, was alone inside the house while Miller's two dogs were outside. Miller had an ADT-monitored smoke detector and firefighters arrived just in time to save Peaches. "I am grateful for the heroic firefighters who rescued Peaches," said Miller. "Along with smoke alarms, I encourage everyone to have a home fire monitoring system."

With a fire monitoring system in a home, activated smoke and heat detectors alert trained professionals working 24/7 in one of several interconnected monitoring centers across North America. They promptly contact a nearby fire department to report the alarm which can provide added protection for pets left home while their owners are out.

"Both smoke alarms and fire monitoring systems are highly effective for saving lives," said Heather Schafer, NVFC Executive Director. "With volunteers comprising nearly three-quarters of the firefighters in the U.S., our organization wholeheartedly supports efforts to raise awareness about preventing both human and pet deaths and injuries as a result of home fires."

People should be extra vigilant about practicing escape procedures for all family members, including pets. They should also equip their homes with the latest in fire-safety technology, especially during the summer when more families are away from their homes.

"One of the hallmarks of responsible dog ownership is keeping pets safe and planning for unexpected emergencies, including house fires," said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Each year as part of AKC's Responsible Dog Ownership Day Celebration in September, we educate first-time dog owners about what dog ownership entails. This year we are pleased to distribute ADT pet alert 'window clings' at our events in New York City and Raleigh, North Carolina to focus attention on how to potentially save pets' lives."

The NVFC, AKC and ADT offer the following tips to keep pets safe from house 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.

* Pet Proof the Home - Take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might start fires inadvertently, such as the stove knobs, loose wires and other potential hazards.

* Secure Young Pets - Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home.

* 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 your pets. You can obtain a free window cling by going to www.adt.com/pets or at AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day flagship events. Details are available at www.akc.org.

* Keep Your Information Updated - Firefighters are familiar with pet alert window clings so keep the number of pets listed on them updated. Knowing the accurate number of pets in the house aids rescuers in finding all of your pets and provides important information so that firefighters do not put themselves or others in danger when rescuing pets.

* Install Smoke Alarms and Ensure They Always Have Working Batteries - Change the batteries in your smoke alarm twice a year and test it monthly to ensure it is functioning.

* Consider Monitored Smoke Detection Services - Security companies, such as ADT, provide monitored smoke detection services to quickly alert fire departments in an emergency. This could provide added protection for pets.

"ADT is proud to work with the NVFC and AKC to raise awareness about pet fire safety," said Jason Nordin, ADT Vice President. "ADT wants to protect all family members, including pets."

Each September, The AKC calls on its nearly 5,000 affiliated dog clubs and all other pet-related organizations from around the country to participate in AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day. The nationwide initiative educates the public about the importance of being a responsible dog owner. To learn more and find a local event visit: www.akc.org/clubs/rdod/.