Pet Fire Safety – Reduce Fire Risks for You and Your Pet
Ever considered Pet Fire Safety? Now, you may think that this is exclusively about ways to keep your pets safe from fire. And, while our family’s safety during a fire is the top priority (and yes, that includes our furry friends), there is a second issue that also deserves our attention: taking necessary steps to minimize the risk of pets causing a fire. Our homes are full of things that are electrical and/or flammable, and many of them can be easily accessible and tempting for pets. Whether it’s chewing, playing, or seeking attention, pets interact with things around our homes, which can lead to a fire. Pet-proofing your home and creating a fire safety and escape plan for all family members, human and four-legged, can significantly reduce fire risks and save lives in an emergency.
GrantWatch is dedicated to raising awareness about pet fire safety and offers resources to help communities support pet survivors of fires and other disasters. In addition, we have a list of grants about ways to provide shelter and security for pet survivors of fires, other disasters, and domestic violence. As a result, GrantWatch has a list of grants to help communities cope with and accommodate pet survivors. Finally, GrantWatch offers a list of over 400 grants in its Pets and Animal Wildlife grants list category.
How Can Pets Cause Fires?
“House pets, especially cats and dogs, commonly have an insatiable curiosity,” says Lisa Braxton, public education specialist for the NFPA. “They’ll claw, scratch and chew at things, poke their noses into objects and hop on top of furniture, fixtures, and appliances.” According to Braxton, three behaviors in particular pose serious safety risks: chewing on wires, jumping around when candles are lit, and getting too close to a hot stove. “Chewed wires are especially problematic because a fire might not occur immediately,” says Dr. Mary R. Burch, a certified applied animal behaviorist and family dog director at the American Kennel Club. Burch advises pet owners with chewers to puppy- and kitty-proof their homes. While cats are harder to wrangle, owners may consider confining dogs in a proper crate or safe area while away. (petcoach.co, “Pet Fire Safety: What You Need to Know”)
5 Prevention Tips
- Pet-Proof Electrical Cords: Secure and hide electrical cords to prevent pets from chewing on them. Use cord covers or keep cords out of reach.
- Supervise Pets Around Heat Sources: Keep an eye on pets around stoves, fireplaces, and space heaters, and use barriers to keep them away.
- Secure Fireplaces: Install sturdy screens or glass doors on fireplaces to prevent pets from getting too close to the flames or hot surfaces.
- Turn Off Appliances: Turn off and unplug appliances like space heaters, toasters, and ovens when not in use, especially if pets are home alone.
- Keep Pets Away from Cooking Areas: Use gates or barriers to keep pets out of the kitchen while cooking to prevent accidents.
Below is a current list of grants addressing domestic pet safety.
Pets and Animal Wildlife Grants
- Grants of up to $50,000 to veterinarians, post-doctoral fellows, and veterinary students for research projects addressing the health needs of cats. All areas of study related to feline health are welcome. Funding is for studies primarily benefiting domestic cats.
- There are grants of up to $60,000 to nonprofit domestic violence and animal organizations to ensure accommodations for pets of domestic violence survivors. Funding is for multiple options for pets, including building or renovating areas at a domestic violence shelter, and/or beginning a foster program to care for pets of survivors. Funding options also include paying for temporary boarding for pets of survivors, or a combination of services that will best serve the community. Moreover, grant funds will be used for routine veterinary care, emergency veterinary care, and pet deposits.
- In addition, grants of up to $5,000 to individuals, government agencies, institutions, and organizations to promote animal welfare research. Funding is for the processing and publication expenses for scholarly, open-access, peer-reviewed articles. The purpose of the program is to support the dissemination of results of innovative and impactful animal welfare research. Priority submissions will include the following areas: cruelty prevention and response, animal sheltering, and increased access to affordable veterinary care.
- Grants of up to $20,000 to nonprofits to promote animal welfare. Funding is for the prevention of cruelty to animals and to enhance the quality of life for animals. Grant support focus areas include emergency funding, as well as general operating, program, and project expenses. Funds will be directly distributed to organizations to protect animals, and to provide medical assistance and food for animals. The goal is to prevent cruelty to animals and to provide safety and security to animals in need.
Additional Pets and Animal Wildlife Grants
- There are grants to veterinary students at accredited institutions for research projects promoting animal health/welfare. Applicants will create an account prior to applying. Funding supports veterinary students involved in clinical or basic animal health research. Project focus areas will include the advance of the science of canine or feline health.
- Also, grants of up to $2,500 to eligible nonprofits for projects benefitting local communities. Funding is for activities in focus areas that include animal welfare in animal shelters and animal rescue agencies.
- Grants to eligible nonprofits to support projects that include the welfare of companion-animals. A Letter of Intent (LOI) must be submitted by applicants for funding of other projects in the Foundation’s general areas of interest, including animal welfare.
- There are grants to eligible charitable organizations for projects benefitting animals. Eligible expenses include capital projects, services for animals brought to a shelter, and animal or public education programs. Priority will be to local organizations that have a mandate that includes caring for animals and finding new (loving) homes for all adoptable animals.
- In addition, grants to eligible nonprofits and government entities to promote animal health/welfare. Applicants for capital grants will submit a project description prior to applying. Grants will be in two categories: grants for project and program(s); and grants for capital improvements.
- Lastly, grants to eligible charitable organizations to benefit animals. Eligible activities include protection/care of domestic animals, and providing animal rescue or shelter. One funding focus area is for proposals that will have a positive (community) impact regarding the care of domestic animals.
The Bottom Line
To conclude, ensuring our pets’ safety from the threat of fire involves minimizing the risk of them accidentally starting a fire. By staying informed and taking preventative measures, we can create safer environments for our pets and prevent tragic incidents before they occur.
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