web page.
Cats have a reputation for causing chaos and destruction in homes. Whether it’s knocking over coffee mugs or scratching up furniture, cats seem to have a knack for getting into trouble. Their curiosity often leads them to explore and sometimes inadvertently cause damage to our belongings.
One particularly dangerous behavior that some cats exhibit is starting fires. In South Korea, the Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Department reported 107 house fires caused by cats turning on electric stoves or pressing buttons on appliances. These incidents highlight the importance of taking precautions to prevent such disasters from occurring.
How to Prevent House Fires When Living with Cats
The Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Department emphasized the need for increased vigilance in households with pets, especially when no one is home. Securing appliances and making it harder for cats to access buttons can help reduce the risk of fires.
“We advise households with pets to pay extra attention as fire could spread widely when no one is at home,” said Chung Gyo-chul, a fire department official.
In the United States, cat-related house fires are less common but still a concern. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that an average of 790 home fires are started by animals each year, although this includes incidents involving all types of animals, not just domestic pets like cats.
“An estimated average of 790 homes fires are started by animals each year,” explained Susan McKelvey, communications manager for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
While the risk of cat-caused fires in the U.S. is relatively low, it’s still important to be prepared for emergencies. Here are some fire safety tips for households with cats that can help keep both your feline friend and your home safe:
#1 – Check Your Smoke Alarms
Regularly test and maintain your smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly and can alert your family in case of a fire.
#2 – Place Pet Alert Stickers on Windows
Use Pet Alert Stickers to notify firefighters that there are pets inside your home in case of an emergency.
#3 – Create an Evacuation Plan and Practice with Your Cat
Include your cat in your family’s fire evacuation plan and ensure everyone knows how to safely escape in case of a fire.
Remember to leave doors open to give your cat an escape route if needed and inform firefighters if your cat is still inside the house.
For more tips on preparing your cat for emergencies, check out Emergency Preparedness For Your Cat: Be Ready Before Disaster Strikes.
#4 – Never Leave Open Flames Unattended
Avoid leaving lit candles unattended and consider using flameless candles as a safer alternative.
#5 – Secure Knobs and Buttons
Prevent cats from accidentally turning on stoves and appliances by covering or blocking access to knobs and buttons.
Consider using clicker training to teach your cat to stay away from dangerous appliances.
#6 – Keep Cords Out of Reach
Protect your cat from electrical hazards by keeping cords out of their reach.
#7 – Use Fireplace Safety Measures
When using a fireplace, always use a screen to prevent sparks from escaping and create a safe zone around the fireplace to keep pets at a safe distance.
Being prepared for a fire emergency can save lives, including those of our beloved pets. It’s crucial to have a plan in place and take steps to prevent fires in your home. Stay safe and keep an eye on your furry friends!
H/T: www.usatoday.com
following sentence:
“The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
Rewritten sentence:
“The lazy dog is jumped over by the quick brown fox.”