July 15 is National Pet Fire Safety Day, a day of observance that has been recognized by the American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services since 2009.

Sadly, an estimated 500,000 pets are lost to structure fires annually in the United States, according to both agencies. That's why the nationwide awareness day was launched, to bring attention to pet owners about potential risks when pets are left home alone and educate the public about preventive measures that can be taken to alleviate these risks.

It’s important to remember to include your furry family members into your emergency plan should a fire or other natural disaster ever occur, and this includes preparing their own disaster supplies kit as well as arranging in advance for a safe place for them to stay if you need to leave your home.

Here are several tips from the American Kennel Club and ADT to keep pets safe from house fires:

• Extinguish Open Flames – Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.

• Pet Proof the Home – Take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might start fires inadvertently, such as the stove knobs, loose wires and other potential hazards.

• Secure Young Pets – Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home.

• Keep Pets Near Entrances – When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.

• Practicing Escape Routes with Pets – Keep collars and leashes at the ready in case you have to evacuate quickly with your pet or firefighters need to rescue your pet.

• Pets Left Alone Can’t Escape a Burning Home – Use monitored smoke detectors which are connected to a monitoring center, providing an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms.

• Affix a Pet Alert Window Cling – Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets.

• Keep Your Information Updated – Firefighters are familiar with pet alert window clings so keep the number of pets listed on them updated. Knowing the accurate number of pets in the house aids rescuers in finding all of your pets.