WHEREAS, More than 40,000 pets die in house fires each year in this country, and being prepared for fire in your home can mean the difference between the speedy rescue of a beloved pet, and a panic situation possibly resulting in the death of a pet; and

WHEREAS, Each household should have a disaster preparedness plan for the home, which includes instructions for the rescue and care of all pets inside and outside of a home and information on each pet’s favorite hiding place or safe haven location, and necessary information to enable first responders to quickly locate and rescue pets in the event of an emergency; and

WHEREAS, It is important to ensure that a pet’s microchip and identification information and tags are updated with current information, a pet’s collar is kept on at all times, and leashes are stored in a visible location in a home so that rescuers can more easily secure and handle a frightened pet in the event of a pet’s escape or need for evacuation during an emergency; and

WHEREAS, Pet alert window stickers should also be placed in a visible place on windows near the entry to a home, and include information on the number, species, and type of all pets in the home; and

WHEREAS, The National Volunteer Fire Council provides pet owners with free Pet Fire Safety Window Clings, which are available at local volunteer firehouses nationwide on National Pet Fire Safety Day on July 15 of each year; and

WHEREAS, It is critical that pet owners ensure that their pets wear tags, collars, microchips, and other identification information at all times because even the most well-behaved dogs can become frightened and flee during a fire, natural disaster, or other emergency; and

WHEREAS, In case of a temporary evacuation or displacement of a pet due to a fire emergency, a pet owner should keep a well-stocked emergency bag in the car or near the front door of a home that contains all necessary supplies for a pet for at least seven days, including first aid supplies, medications, veterinary records, food, bottled water, dishes, towels, blankets, plastic bags, newspapers, crates, flashlights, pet photos, and pet comfort toys; and

WHEREAS, A pet owner should also maintain updated information on available park shelters, emergency veterinary services, and veterinary contact information so that injured or displaced pets can be treated and cared for quickly in an emergency; and

WHEREAS, A pet owner should inspect each area of his or her home to ensure that no harmful debris or other hazards remain before allowing a pet to run free off leash in the interior or exterior of the home; now, therefore, be it