Pets are part of the family, and they need a fire escape plan too. Taking a few simple steps before an emergency can help you get everyone out safely.

• Include pets in your home escape plan. Know where your pets like to hide and practice getting them out quickly.
• Keep leashes and carriers near exits. Having them readily available can save valuable time during an evacuation.
• If a fire occurs, get out immediately. Never go back inside a burning home to search for a pet. Once you're safely outside, tell firefighters if a pet is still inside and where they were last seen.
• Use window and door alerts. Place a pet rescue sticker on a front window or door to let first responders know how many pets may be inside. Be sure to update the information if your pets change. Stickers can be picked up at any Marysville Fire Station.
• Have a backup plan. Identify a trusted friend, neighbor or family member who can care for your pets if you're unable to return home right away.
• Keep identification current. Make sure pets wear ID tags and have up-to-date microchip information in case they become separated from you during an emergency.
• Create a pet emergency kit. Include food, water, medications, vaccination records, waste bags, a favorite toy or blanket, and any other essentials your pet may need if you have to leave home unexpectedly.

The most important thing to remember is that people come first. Once everyone is safely outside, stay out. Firefighters are trained and equipped to rescue pets whenever it is safe to do so.

Every year, pets accidentally start hundreds of house fires across the country. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), about 750 home fires each year are caused by pets interacting with everyday household items such as stoves, fireplaces, space heaters and candles.

You can help keep both your family and your pets safe with a few simple precautions:

• Keep pets out of the kitchen while you're cooking. Curious pets can bump stove controls, knock over hot pans or jump onto countertops, creating a fire hazard.
• Never leave candles unattended. Keep candles, lamps and space heaters well out of reach of pets, or better yet, switch to battery-operated flameless candles for the same cozy glow without the fire risk.
• Use a fireplace screen. Always keep a sturdy metal or tempered glass screen in place, and create a pet-free zone of at least three feet around the fireplace.
• Remember that fireplaces stay hot. Glass doors, screens and exterior vents can remain dangerously hot long after the fire goes out. Keep curious pets away to prevent burns.
• Protect electrical cords. Puppies and kittens especially love to chew. Keep electrical cords tucked away or covered to help prevent shocks and electrical fires.

Our pets depend on us to keep them safe. Taking a few extra precautions can help prevent a fire and protect every member of your household—whether they have two legs or four.