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Safety precautions for cat owners in case of a fire in the home.

It’s never easy to think about worst-case scenarios but being prepared could save lives. Prevention is better than cure so it’s important you have measures in place to protect yourself, your family, pets and your home in the unfortunate event of a fire.

tabby cat lying on red and blue rug

 

Smoke alarms

You’re four times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm that works.

 

In the kitchen

Around half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents.

 

Electrics

Faulty electrics (appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) cause around 6,000 fires in the home across the country every year.

 

This video from Electrical Safety First shows what the consequences can be:

 

Electrical Safety First has more tips to reduce the risk of electrical fires in your home on their website here.

 

Candles

Two fires a day are started by candles.

 

An escape plan for your pets

Make sure exits are kept clear and avoid placing your pets’ bedding or toys directly in front of escape routes. You may wish to consider leaving your cat flap unlocked (depending on your cat’s lifestyle).

If there is a fire and your smoke alarm alerts, it’s difficult to overcome a cat’s natural instinct to hide when they are scared. We’d always recommend that you keep calm, act quickly and get yourselves to safety first. Exit the building and call 999.

If your cats are still inside the property, inform firefighters and tell them likely places that your cats may hide. Smoke inhalation can have fatal consequences so we would suggest that any pet involved in a house fire, even if it does not suffer any burns, is seen by a vet as a matter of urgency.

For more information on fire safety in the home, read the government’s advice here or contact your local fire and rescue service (not 999).

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