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.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank you for reminding us about the importance of being prepared.  I am glad that you are fine and the fire was a small one and easily contained.

[Donna K & Quincy]

I must be having an emotional day because this discussion brought tears to my eyes just imagining something happening to my baby. Quincy sleeps in our room with us so if we were at home that would not be an issue, I will however put a leash and collar in my night stand. What scares me most is if something should happen when we are not at home. Quincy usually has the run of the whole house but maybe we should confine him to a smaller space near an exit. We don't have decals for the windows but I will certainly look for some. The thought has often crossed my mind about fire when I am going out and leaving him alone but I though I was being overly protective, guess not. We take Quincy with us whenever we can and when I am working he usually goes to work with dad, however this time of the year my DH is much too busy at work to keep an eye on him so he has to stay home. This discussion is a great timely reminder about keeping our pets safe and being prepared. Thank you Lindsey.

[BG and Gavin]

Just a prevention tip - do not ever run your dishwasher, clothes washer of clothes dryer when you are not home.  Both my washing machine and dishwasher have malfunctioned in the past (while I was there) with the rubber burning smell and smoke - not sure what would have happened if I had not been there to shut them off.  I am very aware of this "rule" now that Gavin is in the house alone.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thanks for that info!!

[Lynda Kamrath]

How scary!  We live in the country and exits are readily available in our home, but it always helps to be prepared.  We actually have more fear of earthquakes here and need to know how and where to turn off all the utilities.  My husband took me over all that a few weeks ago when he went to Arizona.  Glad you all were safe and it is always good to be prepared because anything could happen.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

I have one of those stickers, but have never put it up. I will do that today. I also should create an emergency kit as we live in an earthquake zone! I live in a house with 3 suites - we have a common laundry room with access to each of our suites, so I will put a sticker there too, and leave the door unlocked too. I must get the cats kennel out of storage and leave it somewhere more accessible.

 

We do always have a leash by the door, but theres lots of other stuff there too, so maybe the neighbours/firemen wouldnt see it.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Wow, I am so glad you, DH and doods are alright.  Reading this post made realize that we are very haphazard about where we put collars when we take them off.  The leashes are always in the same accessible spot.  I am going right now to go put the collars there too.

[Carol and Banjo]

Thanks so much for a great reminder.....and I'm sooooooo happy all is well with you and your family!!!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

OK, DRC FOLKS here a fund raising idea ....... need to develop a window sticker with doodles on it so we can keep all our doodles safe.  Charge an extra dollar and we will raise a little "HIP" money!  They are actually something that you need to purchase a few of because the sun fades them and they have to be replaced occasionally.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good Idea!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I would buy one for sure.  Good idea. 

[Sharon & Monty]

count me in!