AFTER extended periods of extreme heat, Islanders are being reminded about safety measures that can be taken to protect animals and reduce the risk of wildfires.
Long periods of dry weather can leave the Island at increased risk of furze fires, which can be ignited from a small spark.
With wind speeds set to increase, station commander Chris Smith at Fire Safety Prevention for Jersey Fire and Rescue Service, said there is an “increased fire risk” this week.
Countryside fires can be started by disposable BBQs, discarded cigarettes, litter and glass. Reflective material, Mr Smith said, can “magnify the sun” and ignite the surrounding area.
Further reminders have also been issued about animal safety, with the JSPCA issuing guidance on how to look after pets in the heat.
Since the latest spate of hot weather will not reach the record-breaking temperatures of a few weeks ago, the JSPCA has reminded Islanders that the “biggest misconception is that pets only get into trouble in extreme temperatures”. The organisation said that “heat-related illness can develop much sooner than people realise, and sadly many of these cases we see are entirely preventable”.
For those with dogs, the JSPCA suggests to “avoid walks altogether” or to only do so very early in the morning. Instead, dog-owners should try to utilise indoor activities rather than exercise such as using “puzzle feeders”, setting “sniffing games and treat hunts” or creating indoor training sessions. The JSPCA added: “Remember: A mentally stimulated dog is often just as satisfied as one that has been on a long walk”.
The organisation added that cats should “always have access to fresh water” with owners encouraged to put out “multiple bowls” to “encourage drinking”, while also ensuring there are shaded places for cats to shelter from the heat.
For animals that live in aviaries, cages, hutches, and enclosures, Islanders are being advices to ensure they are moved from direct sunlight.
The JSPCA also revealed that, in the last two weeks, it has been required to look after eight baby hedgehogs when it would “normally expect to admit just one or two at this time of year”. Dru Bardon, from the Jersey Hedgehog Preservation Group, is asking those with gardens to “put out lots of shallow, heavy bowls of fresh water every evening” and leave “dog or cat food” for hedgehogs.
