Emergency first responders visited VCA Shoreline Veterinary Emergency Center, located at 895 Bridgeport Ave., where staff donated oxygen masks specially designed for use on pets and service animals.
These masks are intended to help animals which may be suffering from respiratory distress. Fran Jones, Fire Chief, Shelton Fire Department and Jason Correia, Lieutenant, Echo Hose Ambulance Corps, both expressed how thankful they were for the donation of these valuable life saving devices which may help emergency responders provide aid to pets and service animals at the time of crisis.
The special conical shaped masks will be distributed among emergency vehicles of both organizations.
The Shelton Fire Department would also like to spread awareness about how to prevent pets from starting home fires and as well as to keep pets safe in the event of an emergency.
Home fires are occasionally caused by pets. Shelton experienced a home fire several years ago that is believed to have been caused by a dog left home alone.
Accidentally, the dog likely hit the stove knob and turned on the gas burner that was under a cake pan. Once ignited, fire spread to the kitchen cabinets. In addition to the home suffering significant fire damage, the dog and other pets in the home perished.
Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief, Fire Prevention, states that there are some simple preventative measures, such as flameless candles and safeguarding stove knobs.
Chief Pisciotta encourages every pet owner to consider the following to prevent their beloved pet from starting a fire, as well as how to keep their pets safe:
- Extinguish open flames — Pets are generally curious and may investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
- Secure stove knobs — Consider protecting knobs with child-safe covers or removing knobs following use.
- Invest in flameless candles — These candles contain a light and small battery, rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle.
- Pet proof the home — Take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might start fires inadvertently. Pay particular attention to items a pet could knock or pull over, such as lamps, space heaters, candles. etc.
- Create Barriers from Hazards — Keep pets confined away from potential fire-starting hazards, such as the kitchen stove, when you are away from home. A barrier could include baby gates. While providing barriers to keep pets away from hazards, maintain access to exterior doors when away from home.
Always have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help by dialing 911, and remember to practice your home escape plan.