Two Santa Clarita Girl Scouts working on their Silver Award, the second-highest award of the Girl Scouts of the USA, and the highest award that a Girl Scout Cadette can earn, are offering fire safety tips for pets as the SoCal fire season gets into full swing.

By Katelyn Waugh and Lexi Kranian 

Girl Scout Troop 182: Silver Award

Fire Safety for Pets 

We love and care for our pets and want them to be as safe as possible. As fire season creeps up on us, we have to be prepared for these dangerous and unexpected disasters. But not only do we have to be ready, but also our loving animals. The upcoming season is a reminder to learn how to prepare ourselves and our pets for an emergency. Here are just a few tips to make sure you and your beloved animals are safe during a fire evacuation.

If you have to evacuate, grab your pets as quickly as possible to exit the building. However, if it takes too long, leave your pet and notify a firefighter of your pet in the building as soon as possible. Practice evacuation drills with your pets to ensure better preparedness.

Make sure to have a bag ready to take during a fire that includes all of your pet’s essentials items such as medical records/medications, enough food/water for 4 days, and plastic bags/towels for clean-up. In the emergency bag, other important things include updated tags as well as collars/leashes/carriers, a pet first aid kit, and blankets/favorite toys for comfort.

Beforehand, arrange for neighbors to get your pets in case of an evacuation when you’re not home. Homes with animals should have a Pet Alert Sticker on a front-facing window. Firefighters then can easily recognize that there might be pets inside a burning house.

When the time comes, it is vital to know where your pet is in time of disaster. An option to keep track of your pet’s location is microchipping them! Crate-training is also a good skill for your pet to learn so they are not as stressed when contained.

It is so important to learn how to be prepared for anything, including a fire. And for our adored pets, we should take extra time and precaution to make sure they are safe.

For information regarding care centers to take your pet(s) to during a fire, contact:

• Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control
  • Phone: (661)-295-7141
  • Location: 31044 Charlie Canyon Rd, Castaic, CA 91384
• American Red Cross
  • Phone: (800) 675-5799
  • Website: www.redcross.org

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