Your home will soon be awash in holiday decorations, including candles and lights. You’ll also be doing a lot more cooking, which means time spent over a hot stove in the kitchen. With the holidays comes a greater risk of fire, especially if you have pets in the home. Fortunately, there are ways you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe. While fire restoration can help after damage occurs, here are some steps to take to prevent pet-related fires altogether.

3 Fire-Prevention Tips for Pet Owners

1. Think Twice Before Using Candles

Candles are wonderful for a bit of ambiance, but they can spell disaster for pet owners. In addition to injuring pets, candles can also be knocked over by wagging tails. Consider switching to flameless candles, which utilize small light bulbs for illumination. 

2. Make Sure Holiday Lights Are Intact

Both dogs and cats are prone to chewing on holiday lights. Check for damage before using them, as exposed wires are more likely to short out or spark.

Always unplug lights before going to bed in case your pet prefers to chew on them after hours. And if you’re truly concerned about this risk, consider buying LED lights, which have a lower voltage. 

3. Never Leave the Stove Unattended

Family pets are notorious for their love of human food. This love may cause them to make risky decisions, such as jumping up on the stove while there is an open flame.

Never leave an open flame unattended in the kitchen, especially if you have pets. It’s also a good idea to remove flammable materials, like cooking oil or towels, from around the stove just in case. 

Dog owners should also be cautious about their stove when away from home. Removing or covering stove knobs prevents your dog from jumping on the appliance and accidentally turning it on. 

Unfortunately, fires can still occur despite your best efforts. Once the smoke clears, you’ll need fire restoration service to bring your home back to life. Rumpke Restoration is here to help homeowners facing challenging times. These certified techs perform deep-cleaning using state-of-the-art equipment to remove smoke, soot, and odors. If you need emergency service, they also provide financing options. Call (513) 760-5501 to get a free estimate on fire restoration at your home. You can also learn more about this service online.