When we talk with clients about fire safety in the home, we often end up talking about the family pet. In many cases, we are speaking with expectant parents who's first "child" was a dog. We are huge dog lovers, so we get it, they are a huge part of the family.
But, let's be clear. You are a bigger part of your family, so don't go looking for a dog or cat or whatever in a fire.
In a house fire, you're pet has a better chance of living than you do! They are fast and low... you are not. They don't need as much oxygen and they recover quickly in many cases. If the intensity of a fire has you flee from your home, don't go back in. It's usually not the fire that gets you, its the smoke.
Let the fire department do its job, when you run back into a fire and go down, firefighters now have to risk more to save you. If your pet is the only victim, we'll do CPR or give oxygen.
Last night in Cicero, IL, another man tried to save his dog. He died, the dog got out. Sad for sure, but totally avoidable. This is certainly not a judgment. Every circumstance is different, but very often they end the same way.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject.
I feel everyone's situation is different & individual! Like this particular story & man. This man lived alone w/his dog and had the animal for 13 years! I don't think the man had much or any family, so this dog WAS his FAMILY! In that moment the man was not thinking he was losing merely a "pet" but the only family he had left! What individual would NOT do whtever they could to save their only remaining family?
Posted by: girl next door | November 13, 2008 at 06:43 AM