Stop Drop & Roll

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

Last night at just after 2 AM, we were rudely awakened by the blaring sound of our apartment complex fire alarm.  I quickly got out of bed to see what was going on and within ten seconds, the alarm had stopped and I returned to bed.  As my husband and I tried to go back to sleep we heard the fire truck sirens nearing our building.  As we drifted off to sleep, we then began to smell smoke.  I again jumped out of bed.  I went to check the door knob to the hallway with Simba close behind.  He knew something was going on.  It was cold so I looked out the peep hole and then opened the door.  The hallway was covered with a haze of smoke and the smell was intense.  I quickly closed the door to keep the smoke from entering and told my husband that we needed to get their leashes on and get out because I was unsure what was going on.  Why had the alarm ended so quickly but our hallway was full of smoke?  I leashed the dogs making sure they both had their tags on (inside we don't have collars on so they don't get tangled).  We went into the hallway where we ran into a fireman.  Simba of course barked like a madman because that's his latest greeting that we haven't trained out of him yet.  We asked if we needed to evacuate and he told us that someone had a small fire in their bathroom which was now out and that we should stay in but keep our door closed to prevent the smoke from coming in.  We did just that.

 

So...what's the point of this...during the winter months there are so many sad stories as a result of fires.  While nothing really happened last night, it made me realize that with pets, there are definitely extra things to think about.  Do you always keep their leash and tags in the same place so you can find them easily?  Is this place on your path outside?  Do they sleep in the same area as you or if there was a fire, are they in an area that is far and could be hard to get to?  Is where they stay on the way to an exit or will it take you out of the way if you need to get out?  Also, if you are in trouble, will first responders even know you have a pet, and if so, will they know what type and how many?  There are decals you can buy and place on your window that let police and firemen know just that information but do you have one? 

 

I hope this discussion just gets everyone thinking about ways to be prepared and how to protect our furry family members too.  I'm sure others will have more insight and tips on how to handle these situations.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I'm glad you're all OK. You've made many good points that we all should attend to.

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

In an apartment complex I'd say we've have a handful of fire alarm soundings this year.  This is the first time there was actually an issue and so it made me really stop and think.

[Leslie and Halas]

Wow!  I'm so relieved that you are all OK.  And thanks for the reminder - I need to get one of those pet decals in my window.  There are only 2 ways in and out of my house, and Halas' leash and collar are by the back door.  Maybe I need to put a hook and an extra leash and collar by the front door, too.  And it would be easy enough to get an extra name tag made, too.

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

While this was a trial run and we have limited space and exits in our apartment, it definitely really made me think about what we can do to prepare and hopefully this will get others thinking as well.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

My suggestion would be that you put an extra leash and collar where ever the dog is at night.  Just like the post below, the dogs got scared and ran.  Unless one has a doodle that they can pick up and run with, they probably need a collar and leash where ever the dog is.  Some how you have to get the dog to the door even if it is spooked.

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

That's definitely a very good point!

[Donna M Lowry]

Friends of ours lost their home to a devastating fire just two weeks ago.  Mom and Dad, one sister, two brothers, and a foster child got out of the house at 3:00a.m.  Their two dogs did not.  The dad and 15 year old son were both taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation and burns to the hands.  The dad had a fire extinguisher and the son was calling the dogs, trying to coax them out of the engulfed home.  The two dogs approached the front door but ran back inside and upstairs.  They died of smoke inhalation under the mom's bed. The family is devastated.  They realize how lucky they are to have escaped but so sad for their loss! 

 

Great topic for discussion. Thanks!

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

I am so sorry for your friends loss. I can only imagine what they must be going through.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This makes me think it's important to get your dogs on a leash the minute that you even suspect that there could be a fire.  That would prevent them from hiding....like in this instance.  I had never really thought about that, but it's a great point.  This must have been so devastating for your friends...I'm so sorry.  And Lindsey, thanks for this posting....certainly something to think about.

[Sharon & Monty]

this is the saddest thing i have read in a long time.  :(

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

We have always kept our leashes and collars (they sleep naked) by the door.  They sleep in our room with us, so I am now thinking about keeping their collars and leashes by us in our room at night. Just in case something like this happens - we can get control of them immediately and get them out of the house with us.

 

What a terrible story about the dogs dying in the fire. Of course, thank goodness the family got out safely; however, I would be devastated if that happened to my loves.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

One other thought about the window stickers ...... if when you leave the house you normally put your dogs in a certain place, it is a good idea to write that on the sticker.  As an example, our girls always go in their room when we leave so I have written on the sticker (dogs in bedroom, back side of house, left end).  I also have their names on the sticker.