Wildfire Warnings & House Fires: Do You Have a Pet Emergency Plan?

It only takes seconds for a fire to change everything.

Whether it’s a house fire sparked by faulty wiring or a fast-moving wildfire sweeping through dry land (hello, Ohio summer heat), emergency situations can escalate before you even realize what’s happening. And when panic hits, the first instinct is survival—human and animal alike. That’s why having a plan isn’t just helpful—it’s lifesaving.

July 15 was National Pet Fire Safety Day, and it’s a timely reminder: our pets depend on us for more than food and love. In an emergency, they need us to be ready to act quickly, calmly, and with their safety in mind.

6 Pet Fire Safety Tips to Be Prepared

1️⃣ Keep leashes and carriers near exits.

When seconds matter, you don’t want to dig through a closet for a cat carrier. Designate a spot for all evacuation gear—especially for pets who can’t be carried easily or may panic.

2️⃣ Use a pet alert sticker.

Place one on your front window or door. These stickers tell first responders how many pets live inside and what kind, so they can rescue them if you’re not home. You can find these for free at many fire departments or purchase them online.

3️⃣ Assign a buddy.

If you live with others, make sure everyone knows who’s responsible for which pet during an emergency. This avoids confusion when every second counts.

4️⃣ Practice your evacuation plan.

Yes, really. Pets can behave unpredictably when scared. Walk through what an evacuation would look like—where you’ll go, what you’ll grab, and how you’ll secure your pets.

5️⃣ Never leave open flames unattended.

Pets are curious. They can knock over candles, get too close to stoves, or even turn on electric burners. Use flameless candles and always double-check before leaving a room.

6️⃣ Know where you’d go.

Whether it’s staying with a friend, heading to a hotel, or connecting with a local emergency shelter, make sure your destination accepts pets—and that you have your pets' records in a go-bag to bring with you.

🧡 Fires Don’t Just Affect Us

While this article focuses on household fires, it’s worth noting that wildfires are on the rise nationwide—and they affect more than just homes. Wildlife lose habitat. Outdoor cats can get trapped. Air quality can deteriorate, especially for animals with respiratory issues.

Being prepared means helping all lives, human and animal, stay safe.

Let this be your nudge.

Check your smoke detectors. Update your pet records. Refill your emergency kit. And most of all—make sure the smallest members of your family are included in every plan you make.

They can’t protect themselves. But you can.