Fire safety is important for any household, but it's essential for homes with dogs or cats. Pets have no understanding of consequences, and they accidentally set countless fires each year in the U.S.  Fire damage repair can aid in your recovery efforts, but a few proactive steps can save you considerable trouble and expense.

Fire Prevention Tips for Households With Pets

1. Always Extinguish Open Flames

Before leaving the house, always put out any candles or oil lamps, and turn off ovens and stoves. Dogs and cats are extremely curious and will investigate anything that interests them. Cats, in particular, can easily reach the stovetop or even high shelves and window sills. It only takes a small bump for them to topple a candle and ignite furniture fabric or carpeting. In no time, you’ll be dealing with fire damage repair and home insurance claims.

2. Note the Number of Household Pets

To make it easier for firefighters to rescue your furry friends if something goes awry, leave a note stating the number of pets in your home. Fire safety experts recommend hanging the sign in your front window so it’s easy to spot. A homey sign on your front door with the words, "We love our two dogs and our cat,"  will not detract from your home’s curb appeal, and it will alert first responders to your pets' presence.

3. Make Sure Pets Are Ready to Go

When you leave home, confine your pets in a room near the front door. Put their collars on, and leave leashes nearby. This prevents them from getting into trouble in the kitchen. Moreover, it saves firefighters from having to search the house in the event of a fire and makes removing them from a burning house as quick and convenient as possible. 

Although accidents happen, you can keep your pets safe if you take the proper safety measures. If your home is damaged in a fire or any other natural disaster, contact SERVPRO of Greater St. Augustine/St. Augustine Beach for assistance. They offer 24-hour emergency response to clients throughout St. Johns County, FL, specializing in fire damage repair, water extraction, and biohazard cleanup. Visit their website to learn more about these and other services, or call (904) 429-4457 to schedule fire damage repair today.