To many of us, our pets are members of the family. The thought of losing our four-legged loved ones in a house fire can be devastating. While most of us have gone through at least one drill in our lives to learn how to respond and escape in a fire, our pets rely on us to get them out and keep them safe.
Like humans, animals are susceptible to suffering breathing issues from smoke inhalation when escaping a house fire. And like humans, emergency care with the proper equipment is critical to saving lives. Unfortunately, when animals need to be resuscitated or receive clean oxygen, the tools aren’t always available.
Enter The Emma Zen Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to pet safety advocacy and emergency preparedness for our four-legged friends.
Kittens and puppies and pigs, oh my!
Since the Foundation’s establishment in 2011, the Anaheim-based non-profit has donated more than 3,000 life-saving oxygen mask kits to emergency first responders and fire departments throughout the United States. The gear, specially designed for pets, are cone shaped with a large rubber seal at the base allowing a snug fit. Pet oxygen masks simulate pet CPR, offering a continuous, accurately directed flow of healthy oxygen that saves lives and leads to a quicker recovery.
At SDG&E, we’re committed to the safety of our communities and customers—including Fido and Fluffy—which is why we’re proud to support the Emma Zen Foundation’s efforts to equip every front line emergency responder agency in California with the tools needed to save even the furriest member of the household.
Get involved, be prepared
Pet oxygen masks are at the heart of the Emma Zen Foundation’s pet safety work, but they aren’t the only service the Foundation provides to help keep our four-legged companions safe. Visit EmmaZenFoundation.org to learn about their other programs and find resources to make sure you’re prepared for your pet’s safety.