Camy Thumwood, founder of Pet Alert and creator of the Pet Alert Emergency Information System announced at a ribbon cutting Wednesday for Pet Alert at the Richmond Hill Fire Department that she will donate pet oxygen mask kits to three area fire departments this summer.

Thumwood estimates that more than 500,000 pets lose their lives in house fires every year in the United States. She said the equipment will help firefighters save pets’ lives. Each mask kit costs about $100 and provides life-saving oxygen to pets suffering from smoke inhalation. The proceeds from her book “Guide to Pet Safety” help Thumwood donate the kits to the Richmond Hill and Savannah Southside Fire departments and Bryan County Emergency Services.

Thumwood has worked with fire departments for 20 years regarding the need for proper information for pets during emergencies and states, “Most people feel that their pets are part of their family, and that is why the oxygen masks donations and the relaunch of the Pet Alert Emergency Information kit is so important to protect pets.”

The information kit helps owners provide information for first responders about their pets during emergencies.

The Pet Alert Emergency Information System was nationally launched for purchase Wednesday on National Pet Fire Safety Day. You can find more information on keeping pets safe at www.petalert.com.