AKC fire prevention week suggestions

AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB OFFERS TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR DOG IN SUPPORT OF "FIRE SAFETY WEEK"

New York, NY -- As the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
gears up for "Fire Safety Week" October 3-9, the American Kennel
Club reminds dog owners to consider their canine companions when it
comes to fire safety.

"Many animal lovers consider their pets to be members of the
family," said AKC spokesperson Gail Miller. "In the unfortunate
circumstance of a fire, the safety of the people living in the
household is unquestionably most critical.

However, for many families, it would be devastating to have to the
tragedy of a house fire compounded by the loss of a beloved pet who
could have been saved with some simple planning and forethought."

*· Be sure that your dog and other pets are part of your organized
evacuation plan. Rehearse your plan repeatedly with your family,
including your dog.
*· Assemble a dog disaster kit including: a supply of your dog's
kibble and treats, water, vaccination records and medications,
emergency contact information including your veterinarian's number, a
favorite toy and an extra leash and collar with your dog's
identification.
*· Listen to your dog! Canines have the ability to smell smoke long
before humans. If your dog is acting strangely, look into the
situation promptly and be prepared to gather your family and follow
your evacuation plan.
*. Fire experts say the number-one reason dogs perish in fires is
because they are confined to their pens and can not escape. Be sure
your fire plan accounts for crated dogs.
*· Research canine organizations in your area ahead of time, so you
will have a place to board your dog in case of emergency.
*· Consider installing a dog door leading outside so that an
endangered dog has a chance to escape on its own.
*· Increase the chances of your dog's rescue by putting a sticker on
your door reading, "DOG INSIDE. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, PLEASE
RESCUE"
*· When not at home, keep your dog on the ground floor so it will be
easier to rescue.
*· Give a key to a trusted neighbor, and make sure they know where
the dog might be located within the house so they can inform
firefighters.
*· If your dog was in a smoke-filled building, or if you can smell
smoke on its fur, take it to your veterinarian for review. Toxic
fumes can be deadly.
*· Microchip your dog, and enroll in the AKC Companion Animal
Recovery (AKC-CAR) database. If your dog gets lost during a fire, a
microchip will increase your chances of being reunited. For more
information, visit www.akccar.org
*· A dog is a member of the family, and its safety depends on your
ability to comply with standard fire safety measures. Be sure to
have working smoke detectors on every level of the home and near
bedrooms, and keep hallways and home exits free of clutter.

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For more information, visit http://www.akc.org.

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Oct 6, 2004