Home Security Systems Protect Pets From Home Fires

If you have pets you know that they become just like one of the family members. Recently ADT Security Services teamed up with the National Volunteer Fire Council and the American Kennel Club to provide pet fire safety tips. People need to plan an escape when there is a fire. The plan should include not only the family members but also the pets. Many people have been seriously injured or killed by trying to return to the home when there is a fire to look for pets.

Keeping pets safe during a fire is important. That's why these three organizations recently came together to help consumers and professionals understand some of the basics of pet security. There are approximately 500,000 pets involved in homes with fires each year. Since 88% of pet owners consider their pets to be part of the family it's important to include them in safety plans.

ADT is involved because they offer advanced systems that provide monitoring for smoke and fire. If smoke or fire is detected in the home the system sends an alarm to the monitoring center, which is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Immediate response to fire allows the local fire department to respond as fast as possible. This gives you and your family the best chance of safety. The monitoring center also provides information to the fire department that may include such things as each family member and their ages along with the area where their room is located. They can also inform the fire department of any family pets to look for.

Besides having a good home security system families with pets should be sure to take other precautions to ensure the safety of their animals. When getting an ADT alarm be sure to get the special window clings that give emergency personnel locations of family members and pets. Keep pets away from any open flames and be sure that when you aren't home they don't have access to areas such as the furnace.

Make an escape plan for the family in case of an emergency including fire. The plan should include the safe removal of the pets. However, be certain to let all family members know that their safety is most important. Never spend extra time looking for a pet instead of getting out of the house. Those few seconds or minutes can mean life or death since fires can spread rapidly. Pets can be easily scared in a fire and may hide under the bed or in a corner. Keep young pets in crates overnight so they are safe.

Keep fire extinguishers in the home and know where they are located. Most fires start in areas where there are combustibles such as in the kitchen. Practice an escape plan with the family by having regular fire drills. Keep an extra leash outside of the home in case you need it in an emergency. When practicing your fire escape include the dog or pet. Train the pet to come when called and always know the location of your pet in the home.

ADT is the leading provider of home alarm systems in the U.S. Consider helping protect your home and family - including pets - with an ADT alarm system. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Kelly