Beaufort County offers tips to keep your pets safe on this July 4th weekend

Beaufort County This Week

STORY 1

From Beaufort County

Beaufort County encourages pet owners to plan for the well-being of their pets on Independence Day. Every year at this time, the County’s Animal Services Department receives an influx of 30 to 60 lost dogs and cats.

“Loud fireworks and large crowds can distress animals, so avoid
taking them to Fourth of July activities,” said Tallulah McGee, Animal Services
Director. “Instead, keep your pets safe and comfortable in a quiet, sheltered,
and escape-proof area at home.”

The sound triggered by fireworks or other loud noises may cause
even those pets accustomed to being outside to break their restraint or jump a
fence in an attempt to
find safety and feel protected. Consequently, pets should always be correctly
identified with a microchip or tag.

McGee also suggests that owners keep current photographs of pets
in case a pet goes missing.

Further, exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in
death, severe burns, or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets. Even
unused fireworks can pose a danger since many varieties contain
potentially toxic substances, such as arsenic.

McGee added that pets should not be left confined in hot cars,
as this jeopardizes the well-being of pets by putting them at risk of brain
damage, heatstroke, or death. Owners
who violate this ordinance face misdemeanor charges, monetary fines, and
imprisonment up to 30 days.

Another danger to pets is alcohol poisoning. Pet owners should
take care not to leave alcoholic beverages accessible to pets. Pets drinking
alcohol, including beer, can become dangerously intoxicated, go into a coma, or
die from respiratory failure in severe cases. Fermented hops and ethanol are
poisonous to dogs and cats.

Story 2

From WSAV

The Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA) is urging residents to adjust their water usage during morning hours amid the rising heat.

The guidelines issued by the
authority falls under their Irrigation Management Program to prevent boil water
notices, discoloration, and service outages.

BJWSA is asking customers to:

Avoid irrigation on Mondays and
any day between the hours of 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. when demand is traditionally the
highest.

Adjust irrigation timers to
water only three days per week, on a rotating schedule

Odd-numbered addresses are asked
to irrigate on Tuesdays, Thursdays
and Saturdays

Even-numbered addresses are
asked to irrigate on Wednesdays, Fridays
and Sundays between midnight and 3 a.m. or from 9 a.m. to noon.

Story 3

From WSAV

Public school students in South Carolina will be a little less connected this coming school year, that’s after the state barred cell phone use in schools throughout the Palmetto State.

The clause was one of a number of funding stipulations that a committee approved during days of negotiations on the state’s $13.8 billion budget.

If they want to receive state funds, public school districts have to adopt the statewide policy, which will be written by the State Board of Education.

“The goal is to improve students’ mental health and reduce bullying both in-person and online,” says Beaufort County Schools Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez. “It does have an impact on students. Students seem to be, for lack of a better word, addicted or overly connected to their devices. And it impacts instructional time for teachers. And that’s critical.”

Beaufort County School Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez says his county has been working on a cell phone ban even before the State law was agreed to.