National Pet Fire Safety Day raises awareness about pet safety

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – National Pet Fire Safety Day raises awareness about how to keep your family pet alive in the event of a house fire.

Experts said homeowners should extinguish any open flames since curious pets can knock over candles. Also, remove knobs on stoves that could be easily turned on by a tail or paw.

Experts also recommend replacing glass bowls with metal, since glass bowls on hot wooden decks can lead to an accidental fire.

“You always want to have an escape plan, and with that escape plan make sure you include your pets. Whether it’s having a person that’s responsible to grab the pet or making sure they have an exit or way out as well,” Fire inspector Troy Sjostrom said.

South Walton Fire District is offering free smoke alarms and alarm checks to South Walton County residents.

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