Special oxygen masks help firefighters save pets from burning buildings

Firefighters in Detroit now have enough special masks to rescue as many animals as possible during a fire.

In January, firefighters in Detroit were able to save 15 of 17 dogs trapped in a burning building, but the department said they didn’t have all the life-saving equipment they needed to save animals in danger. But after some donors stepped in, the department received more than 800 oxygen masks specially designed for animals to help save four-legged lives in an emergency.

If you have a pet, there are steps you can take to help make sure your animal is prepared in the event of a fire:

  • Make sure you have a safe place where your animal can stay when you need to evacuate. 
  • Every time you practice your fire safety plan, make sure you practice taking your animals with you. 
  • Train your pet to come when you call as it could save its life in an emergency.
  • Help firefighters by keeping your pets in their collars when you aren’t home.
  • Attaching a window cling that lets firefighters know how many pets are inside.