Pets will be safer during emergencies thanks to Fire Rescue partnership

Event Date:

By Doreen Poreba

Martin County Fire Rescue (MCFR) personnel not only have to deal with helping people and saving their lives. They also have occasions when they rescue animals.

The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast is supplying MCFR with 100 slip-style leads to be placed on all 40 units and swivel-style leads for personnel to use on all 22 truck suppression units. These leads allow crews to secure rescued animals, heightening pet safety when on scene of an emergency incident.

It’s all part of a partnership that the HSTC and MCFR announced on July 15, 2020 in recognition of National Pet Fire Safety Day, July 15, 2020.

“We are always looking for new ways to deliver more effective services to those we respond to, and what better way to celebrate and promote National Pet Fire Safety Day, than to start within our agency?” said Fire Chief Bill Schobel.

Taylor Gilmour, HSTC’s director of development and communications, expressed her enthusiasm for this new partnership.

“With over 500,000 pets being impacted every year by emergency incidents such as house fires, hazardous material incidents, or even motor vehicle accidents, we want to always give pets the best opportunity to be as safe as possible while still allowing MCFR crews to work as effectively as possible,” said Gilmour.

Fire Chief Schobel, indicates that the agency exists to protect lives — both people and pets. With the additional pet restraining tools, MCFR crews can secure the animals, treat if necessary, all while maintaining effective staffing and available personnel for further scene operations.