Do you know how long in takes for a pet to suffocate in a house fire?
By Camy Thumwood
Fire smoke inhalation is dangerous and the number one cause of death in house fires! Just like standing in the smoke from a campfire or BBQ and not being able to get away from it you would start to choke and suffer from smoke inhalation. However, in a house fire the smoke is more toxic due to the gases released from other burning objects. Once you start to inhale the smoke, you are not getting enough oxygen to live.
Depending on the density and heat of the smoke, it may take 2 to 10 minutes to pass out or die. If there is more oxygen in the room, then you would have more time (but not much). Fire burns oxygen, so as a fire continues to be active, more oxygen gets removed from the room. Smoke puts too much carbon monoxide into the lungs which prohibits oxygen into your body and carbon dioxide getting released out of your body. Usually causing you to pass out before dying and can cause brain damage. 15 minutes of straight smoke (0% oxygen) would kill you, 5-10 minutes would cause permanent brain damage in humans.
Just like humans, pets usually have less than 20 minutes depending upon the location of the house fire and how hot and fast it is burning.
Birds only have a few minutes due to their small lungs.
Dogs usually get excited, panic and hyper ventilate during a fire, so they inhale smoke faster and have usually about 10-15 minutes depending on their size.
Cats usually hide and lay low where the smoke is less, so they have the longest chance to strive, maybe about 15-20 minutes.
your pets?
Other Caged pets are at the mercy of their location and the type of fire.
QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR PET'S SAFETY:
How long does it take for you to get home from work in an emergency?
Do you have a fire alarm that calls 911?
Will firefighters know about your pets?
Does your neighbor know that you have pets and where your pets are?
Who knows who to contact or help your pets?
- May 3, 2011 7:56 pm
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