Did you know that somewhere between 40,000 and 150,000 pets die in fires every year. I didn't, but given pet behavior, I'd be surprised if the actual number was closer to the high end. According to fire fighters, pets tend to hide when fire strikes which makes saving their lives that much more difficult.
That job just got a little easier thanks to The Invisible Fence Company and a program called "Project Breathe". Invisible Fence is donating pet oxygen masks to fire houses around the country. In fact, they've given out over 1600 kits to fire houses around the country so far. Each kit contains a small, medium and large mask and the kit is valued at $60.
Most fire related pet fatalities are the result of smoke inhalation and timely oxygen therapy is the key to survival in most cases. First responders are best positioned to be able to give timely oxygen therapy. Unfortunately human oxygen masks don't work on pets and the vast majority of first responders have never been trained to administer oxygen to pets. Pets need specially designed masks that will fit over their elongated snouts and one size does not fit all.
That's where Project Breathe and Veterinarians like Dr Thomas Nick come in. Through donations, Project Breathe makes the special kits available and works with Vets like Dr Nick to train the first responders in their use.
According to a story I read on-line in a Chicago paper, Invisible Fence has given out 90 kits in Chicago land. Since the program began three years ago, nineteen pets lives have been saved with the special kits.
Saving human lives is obviously the priority for first responders, but you can help fire fighters by having a plan for your family in case of fire. You should have an evacuation plan and if you have pets, someone needs to be made responsible for their evacuation in the case of fire. You can also get pet safety kits that will alert first responders to the presence of pets in the home.
It's nice to know someone in the pet safety business like Invisible Fence is thinking about our pets in emergencies. Good job.
What a terrific idea to have these available. Genius!
Posted by: Carol Bryant | August 06, 2010 at 03:43 AM