Hey {{first_name}} Dog Parents 💌,

Your home is your sanctuary,  a place where your fur babies curl up in cozy corners, and where your family feels safe and loved. But did you know that thousands of families lose this peace every year to house fires?

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, over 2,000 people died in home fires in 2015 alone. That’s why National Fire Prevention Week, happening the week of October 9, is a critical reminder to act now and keep your loved ones,  two-legged and four-legged, protected.

Fire safety goes far beyond just installing smoke alarms or having a fire extinguisher on hand. It’s about creating a culture of awareness and prevention within your home, a daily practice of vigilance, education, and care that involves every member of the family, including children, teens, and pets.

Many of us remember learning about fire safety in school, but research shows those lessons only truly stick when parents reinforce them at home. It’s in those everyday moments,  reminding kids to never play with matches, showing them how to stop, drop, and roll, or modeling safe cooking habits, where real prevention begins.

This responsibility doesn’t stop with children. Adults can get distracted, tired, or rushed. A moment’s inattention, leaving food unattended on the stove or overloading an extension cord,  can quickly lead to disaster. Fire safety means slowing down, being mindful, and building habits that protect your home and everyone in it.

Your dog depends on you to keep their home safe and that means practicing good fire safety every day. Here’s a simple but powerful checklist to protect your family and furry friends:

Cooking fires are one of the leading causes of house fires. Stay in the kitchen whenever you’re frying, boiling, or grilling, and keep a close eye on what’s cooking.

Extension cords are great for temporary use, but overloaded or damaged cords can spark fires. Use proper outlets and, if you need more plugs, have a licensed electrician install them safely.

Curious children and pets can accidentally start fires if matches or lighters are left accessible. Store these items in locked cabinets or high, secure shelves where little hands and paws can’t reach.

If you rely on space heaters, make sure they are kept at least three feet away from anything flammable, like blankets, curtains, furniture and even your dog’s bed. This simple distance can prevent accidental fires.

Sleeping with doors closed can significantly slow the spread of smoke and flames in the event of a fire, buying precious time for everyone, including your pets, to get to safety.

Dogs and cats are incredibly intuitive and often sense danger before we do. But when it comes to escaping a fire, they rely completely on us. Here’s how you can make sure your pets stay safe:

Install smoke detectors near where your pets sleep and test them regularly to ensure they work.

Knowing what to do in a fire emergency can save lives, especially your furry family members’. Jessica Gercke from Helen Woodward Animal Center shares crucial tips on preparing for emergencies with pets, including using window decals to alert firefighters to animals inside, keeping pets easily accessible, and preparing essentials ahead of time. She also emphasizes the importance of continued donations for displaced families and their pets, and highlights community efforts to rescue and reunite animals affected by wildfires.

🎥 Watch here: How to Safely Evacuate Your Pets During a Fire

Make sure everyone in your household watches it, because in an emergency, every second counts.

Every precaution you take is a promise. A promise that your family, your furry companions, and your home will be protected from harm. Fire safety isn’t just about avoiding loss,  it’s an act of love in motion, a daily commitment to the lives you cherish most.

By making fire prevention a priority, you’re showing your pack just how deeply you value their safety and well-being.

Ask yourself today:

Do family members know what to do if a fire breaks out?

Commit to a safer home for your family and pets this National Fire Prevention Week. Share your fire safety tips or photos of your smoke detector checks!

Tag @usadogowners and use #SafeAndSoundWithMyDog on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured in our next newsletter!

Why? Because when you share:

📧 🐾 And if you loved this article? Share it with a fellow dog lover!

Fire safety is a shared responsibility, for you, your family, and your beloved pets. Being prepared with knowledge, a plan, and the right tools can make all the difference when seconds count.

We hope this video and our safety tips empower you to create a home where everyone feels secure and loved. Your vigilance and care are the greatest gifts you can give your pack.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and keep those tails wagging.

Wags & gratitude,
Mark
USA Dog Owners Association
Because every dog deserves to feel their best. And so do you. 🐾

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