During Emergency Preparedness Week, on now until May 11, pet owners can visit their local Ontario SPCA animal centre to pick up a free emergency decal and wallet card, while supplies last.
The Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal notes pet owners are encouraged to place a pet rescue decal indicating the number and types of pets in their household in a highly visible area of the home’s entrance to notify firefighters of pets that may be inside.
The Ontario SPCA wallet card informs emergency personnel that animals may need care if you are unable to return home after a fire, natural disaster or medical emergency.
The Ontario SPCA’s “Promise to Appear” campaign also encourages pet owners to include their animal companions in fire safety plans and to create 72-hour emergency survival kits for pets.
Saving pets in a house fire
While the fire marshal doesn’t track statistics on the number of animals who die in house fires, the agency notes Ontario saw 111 fire deaths last year.
Pets are often viewed as part of the family. But the fire marshal’s office said homeowners should never re-enter a burning home, even to save a beloved dog or cat.
“In the event of a fire, follow your home fire escape plan to get out of the home as quickly as possible,” spokesperson Sean Driscoll said in an email to Metroland.
“Call 911 from outside the home, and once out, stay out — never re-enter a burning building for any reason, including pets. Tell firefighters if your pet is trapped,” Driscoll added.
Test your smoke alarms
During Emergency Preparedness Week, you should also test your smoke alarms and/or change the batteries, if needed.
Driscoll noted homeowners may have less than 60 seconds to safely escape a fire.
“Only working smoke alarms provide the early detection you need to get out safely,” he added.
Here are some additional tips for pet owners from the Office of the Fire Marshal.
- Pets are naturally curious. They may bump into, turn on or knock over cooking equipment. Keep pets away from stoves and countertops.
- Keep pets away from candles, lamps and space heaters. Consider using battery-operated, flameless candles.
- Watch pets to make sure they do not chew through electrical cords. Have any problems checked by a professional electrician.
- Use secure barriers like screens to prevent pets from accessing fireplaces, stoves and heaters.