Pets are loved dearly and are considered an important part of the family. Because of this, it is just as important to keep your pets safe from fire hazards as it is to protect the rest of your household. A study by UK Pet Food revealed that over 62% of households in the UK own at least one pet, highlighting just how many families could be affected by potential risks.
Pets can they can also unintentionally create fire hazards, for example by knocking over items or chewing electrical cables. Pets are also especially vulnerable if a fire breaks out, as they may hide, become frightened, or struggle to escape. Being aware of the risks and taking simple preventative steps in your home can make a huge difference in protecting both your pets and your home.
How to Protect Your Home from Fires Caused by Pets
- Be cautious with hot hair tools
Hot hair accessories such as straighteners, tongs, and hairdryers can easily be knocked onto the floor by curious pets jumping onto surfaces. Always ensure these items are fully switched off, cooled down and stored away after use to avoid burns or fire risks. - Never leave electrical items charging unattended
Avoid leaving devices charging overnight or when you are not at home. Pets may chew through cables, which can damage wiring and potentially start a fire. Consider using protective cable covers and keeping wires out of reach. - Check appliances before use
Cats can often seek warm and enclosed spaces. Always check inside washing machines and tumble dryers before switching them on. It is also good practice to avoid leaving these appliances running overnight or when the house is empty. - Take care with candles and open flames
Always extinguish candles when leaving a room and consider using safer alternatives such as LED candles. - Never leave cooking unattended
Pets can jump onto kitchen worktops or accidentally turn on stove controls, especially if knobs are within reach. Never leave the hob or oven unattended while in use. - Secure fireplaces and heaters
Open fires and portable heaters can be dangerous for pets. Use fire guards to prevent accidental contact and ensure heaters cannot be knocked over.
Protecting Your Pets in an Emergency
- Know your pet’s hiding spots
Pets often hide when they are frightened. Being aware of their usual hiding places will help you locate them quickly in an emergency. - Install and maintain smoke alarms
Working smoke alarms provide early warning, giving you more time to evacuate with your pets. Test alarms regularly and change batteries as required. - Create an evacuation plan
Include your pets in your household fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in the home knows who is responsible for getting each pet out safely. - Keep carriers and leads accessible
Store pet carriers, leads/harnesses in an easy to reach location so you can quickly secure your pets if you need to leave the house in a hurry.
By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of fires caused by pets and ensure they are as safe as possible.