Pet Safety During Wildfire Season: A Guide for East Bay Families
As wildfires continue to devastate communities across California, protecting your home, family, and pets becomes an urgent priority. In areas like Berkeley, Oakland, Moraga, and Lafayette, residents are particularly vulnerable to wildfires, and this is why pet safety during fire season is crucial. Pet owners must not only prepare their homes but also plan for their pets' safety in case of an evacuation or emergency.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand how to keep your pets safe during wildfires, offering expert advice from local organizations like Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), Berkeley Humane, Friends of the Alameda County Shelter, and Berkeley Animal Center. Additionally, we'll explore how to create a pet-friendly wildfire evacuation plan and ensure your pets are protected before, during, and after a wildfire event.
Step 1: Fire Prevention for Your Pets
One of the most important steps in wildfire safety is prevention. According to Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), "Fire prevention for pets starts inside the home by reducing fire hazards and making sure your pets are not put in harm's way due to negligence" ARF.
Reduce Open Flames: Pets, especially curious cats and energetic dogs, often interact with household items like candles, which can lead to accidental fires. Replace traditional candles with electric flameless candles or keep flame candles inside protective glass containers away from pet activity zones.
Protect Stove Knobs: The Alameda County Animal Shelter advises covering stove knobs to prevent pets, particularly large dogs, from accidentally turning on burners, which is a leading cause of fire ignitions in homes with pets.
Manage Electrical Wires: Pets can chew on electrical cords, creating both fire hazards and risks of electrocution. Wire management sleeves can protect your wires and prevent accidents. Taste deterrent sprays also help prevent pets from chewing on cords.
Step 2: Preparing for Fire Season with Your Pet
Preparation is key when it comes to wildfire safety. Berkeley Humane offers expert advice on how to make sure your pets are ready for an evacuation: "The key to managing wildfire risks for your pets is planning ahead, so that when the situation arises, your pets are part of the plan" Berkeley Humane.
Create a Pet-Friendly Bugout Bag: Pack essential items such as food, water, medical records, leashes, comfort items, and pet medications. Friends of the Alameda County Shelter stresses the importance of updating your pet’s identification, including microchips and collars with up-to-date contact information.
Designate Roles and Responsibilities: If your family is in different locations when a wildfire breaks out, establish who is responsible for which pet, including assigning duties for evacuating pets and ensuring they are safe during the evacuation.
Identify Pet-Friendly Shelters: Many local shelters, including those in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, may be filled quickly during wildfire evacuations. Moraga’s emergency preparedness team advises residents to familiarize themselves with pet-friendly hotels and shelters well in advance, such as Berkeley Humane and Tony La Russa’s ARF, which both offer temporary shelters for pets in emergencies.
Step 3: During the Fire: Protecting Your Pets
When the fire alarms sound, time becomes your most precious resource. Evacuating early gives you and your pets the best chance of staying safe.
Leash Your Pets: The Berkeley Humane Society emphasizes, "During evacuations, keep pets on a leash, as they may become disoriented and frightened in the chaos" [Berkeley Humane]. Ensure all pets are on a leash and that they are properly secured in a safe location during the evacuation.
Notify Rescuers About Pets Left Behind: If you cannot get your pets out safely, immediately inform emergency responders about the location of your pets. As noted by Friends of the Alameda County Shelter, "First responders have the proper equipment to rescue pets safely but need clear communication from residents about where pets are located" [Friends of the Alameda County Shelter].
Step 4: After the Fire: Reuniting with Your Pets
Once it's safe to return, your job is far from over. Reuniting with your pets requires both emotional and physical preparation.
Rehydrate and Feed Your Pets: After a stressful evacuation, pets will need food, water, and a quiet space to rest. Berkeley Humane recommends providing a familiar comfort item such as their favorite blanket or toy to help reduce stress.
Check for Injuries: After being away for an extended period, inspect your pets for burns, scratches, or injuries. Tony La Russa’s ARF suggests that owners should "take pets to a veterinarian as soon as possible if there are any signs of distress or injury" [ARF].
Step 5: How Zone Zero Fire Shield Can Help Protect Your Pets
One of the most valuable tools in your home’s wildfire defense arsenal is the Zone Zero Fire Shield. For homes in Berkeley, Oakland, and Contra Costa County, where wildfires can be fast-moving and devastating, Zone Zero Fire Shield provides an added layer of protection for your property and your pets.
Zone Zero Fire Shield:
Protects your property up to 3,000°F, shielding structures, cars, RVs, propane tanks, and even outdoor pet enclosures from embers and radiant heat.
Does not require water, power, or supervision, making it a perfect solution for those who need to evacuate quickly but still want their home and pets protected.
Can be deployed in under an hour, offering immediate relief and confidence that your belongings—and pets—are safe.
For residents in Moraga or Orinda, where proximity to vegetation and steep terrain increases wildfire risks, having a Zone Zero Fire Shield in place ensures that your pets and home are protected even if you’re not there when a fire hits.
Step 6: Stay Informed and Connected
Ensuring the safety of your pets during a wildfire isn’t just about physical preparation—it’s also about staying informed and connected.
Sign Up for Local Alerts: Register for AC Alert (Alameda County), Contra Costa County Alerts, Moraga Police Nixle, and Berkeley’s Emergency Notifications to receive real-time updates during a wildfire.
Know Where to Find Your Pet: Berkeley Humane advises that you keep an updated record of your pets' favorite hiding spots, as they may take refuge in familiar places.
Conclusion
By preparing for wildfires with a detailed plan for your pets, you can mitigate much of the anxiety and chaos associated with evacuation. From creating a bug-out bag and evacuation routes to ensuring your pets are protected with the Zone Zero Fire Shield, every step you take will help ensure their safety during fire season. Local resources like Tony La Russa’s ARF, Berkeley Humane, and Friends of the Alameda County Shelter are invaluable partners in keeping your pets safe.