Pet owners find ADT partnership a peach

GREENBELT, Md.--Sammie Miller of Sierra Vista, Ariz. talked at a July 15 press conference about how her ADT-monitored smoke detector and firefighters helped save her cat Peaches from certain death. “I am grateful for the heroic firefighters who rescued Peaches,” Miller said in a prepared statement. “Along with smoke alarms, I encourage everyone to have a home fire monitoring system.” The press conference was held to announce a partnership among ADT, the National Volunteer Fire Council and the the American Kennel Club,to help save the estimated 500,000 pets involved in home fires each year. The organizations have teamed up to share pet-safety tips and new technologies including the demo of an animal breathing apparatus that can save animals suffering from smoke inhalation. Officials discussed a recent AKC study which shows that 88 percent of pet owners “consider pets to be valued family members,” and explained how home fire monitoring systems, in addition to smoke alarms, can better protect pets left inside while owners are away. “Both smoke alarms and fire monitoring systems are highly effective for saving lives,” Heather Schafer, NVFC executive director, said in a statement. “With volunteers comprising nearly three-quarters of the firefighters in the U.S., our organization wholeheartedly supports efforts to raise awareness about preventing both human and pet deaths and injuries as a result of home fires.” OffIcials advised the public to be extra vigilant “about practicing escape procedures for all family members, including pets. “They should also equip their homes with the latest in fire-safety technology, especially during the summer when more families are away from their homes.” AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson, in a prepared statement said: “This year we are pleased to distribute ADT pet alert ‘window clings’ at our events in New York City and Raleigh, North Carolina to focus attention on how to potentially save pets’ lives.” Homeowners should write down the number of pets and attach the static cling to a front window. “This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. You can obtain a free window cling by going to www.adt.com/pets or at AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day flagship events. Details are available at www.akc.org