Fire Prevention Month: Keeping Your Home and Pets Safe from Electrical Fires

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

Having a cat or dog in your home means taking the time to safeguard certain areas of your residence to avoid your furry friend’s curious nature. What we view as an everyday household item, they tend to see as something to play with or a chew toy. A hyperactive dog or inquiring cat can easily cause an electrical hazard or fire in ways you may not have considered. 

Here is a checklist to help you protect against your pets being in any danger of being hurt.

• To avoid any temptation on their part, keep electrical cords away from your pets, so they don’t chew on them and receive a severe shock. Cover the cord with a heavy plastic sleeve. Ask your pet store for a bitter-tasting product you could put on the cord.
• Check that your nightlights and appliances are completely plugged into wall outlets. Small paws, or tongues can easily find partially unprotected prongs and are a hazard for curious children, puppies, and kittens.
• Halogen lamps should never be used in play areas. Halogen bulbs can reach very high temperatures, and if knocked over during play, could quickly start a fire.
• All appliances near sinks or bathtubs should be plugged into an outlet equipped with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). Playful pets can knock radios, curling irons, and other items into the water, creating a dangerous situation. GFCIs stop the flow of electricity instantly if there is a problem, and when properly used, can save lives.
• Do not allow pets to curl up for a nap behind warm computer equipment. They need to learn to stay away from all electrical connections. If your pets are reluctant to cooperate, consider investing in baby gates to keep them away from your equipment.

The team over at SERVPRO of West Brown County wants your fury friends and house to remain safe at all times. If the unfortunate circumstances of an electrical fire arise, know that we respond quickly to your smoke or fire damage.

As a locally owned and operated business. We are strategically located to respond quickly to your emergency needs. Call us at, (920) 434-8224.