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P.O. Box 1015 Waldorf, MD 20604-1015
Phone: 301 645-8181

Sunday, December 31, 2000. From the American Humane Association
Include Pets in Fire Safety Programs

If there was ever a fire in your home, do you know what to do for your pet?

Pets belong in your fire safety program. Install smoke detectors and plan your family's (including your pet's) safe evacuation in advance. Remember your pet's usual hiding and sleeping places. During a fire, they'll be terrified, and are likely to hide in the places they feel most safe.

If possible, escort your pets to safety on leashes, or in crates or cages. In an emergency, a cat can be safely carried inside a pillow case. Obedience trained dogs will be more likely to cooperate with their owners during the evacuation and ensuing chaos.

Include some of your pet's food in your family emergency kit. Pet's health records should also be included, as a boarding kennel will require these documents.

Always identify your pets with collars and current license and vaccination tags. Proper identification is crucial if pets and owners are separated during or after a fire.

Take your animals to the veterinarian after a fire as soon as possible. Pets can suffer from serious smoke inhalation in a matter of minutes, and could also have burns underneath their fur or feathers.