Fire. It’s destructive and lethal when it comes into our lives uninvited, especially when it hits in our homes. Firefighters do their best to save both humans and pets, knowing that most victims succumb to smoke inhalation.

Here’s an interesting fact from a Newsday article acknowledging the Canine Fence Company of Wilton, CT for donating 75 pet oxygen masks for use by local fire departments:

Most of the more than 40,000 pet deaths in U.S. fires in 2006 resulted from the absence of a reliable way for emergency responders to supply pets with oxygen, Cuthbertson said.

I would have thought human oxygen masks would work, but that’s not the case.

Masks designed for humans have been used, but since they don’t fit well around a pet’s snout the animal isn’t “getting the full saturation of oxygen,” said James Logan, the town’s chief fire marshal.

Kudos to the Canine Fence Company for doing their part.

So what can you do to prepare for a fire emergency, outside of ensuring you have working fire alarms throughout your home? DogDayAfterNews is here to help with some great tips on pet fire safety.

– Keep your pet’s current license and vaccination tags on his or her collar to help with identification in case you become separated. The best way to ensure easy identification is to have your pet micro-chipped.

– Do not keep burning candles or flammable materials at a level where pets can knock them over.

– Pay close attention any time you are burning candles. Dogs do not blister when they burn and take a long time to heal, so it is very important for you to be aware of where they are when you have candles lit.

– Keep electrical cords out of your pet’s reach to prevent chewing, which could shock your pet or cause a fire .

– Prepare an emergency kit with important financial and personal information. Include your pet’s medical records and food.

– Have a plan for a friend, family member, or boarding kennel to take care of your pet on short notice in case of an emergency.

– Use a Pet Alert rescue sticker to help make firefighters aware of your pets.

– Make sure your pet doesn’t play with matches.

OK, that last one was added by me : )

Be good and stay safe!