NCDHHS emphasizes summer safety practices as temperatures rise across North Carolina

RALEIGH — As summer approaches, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reminding residents to take simple, proactive steps to enjoy outdoor activities safely.

With the arrival of warmer weather, NCDHHS is highlighting key tips on water safety, heat protection and food safety to help prevent illness, injury and death.

May is National Water Safety Month, and a timely reminder that drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages one through four, but it is preventable.

"Every North Carolinian deserves to enjoy the summer season without risk to their health or safety," said Dr. Kelly Kimple, interim state health director and NCDHHS chief medical officer. "By taking small, thoughtful actions — like supervising children near water, staying cool during extreme heat and practicing safe grilling — we can all stay safe this summer."

Water Safety: Preventing Tragedy Before It Happens

As families head to pools, lakes and beaches, NCDHHS urges everyone to keep these water safety practices in mind:

• Actively Supervise: Drowning can happen silently and in seconds. Always keep a close eye on children near water.
• Secure Pool Areas: Keep gates and doors closed and locked. Remove pool ladders when not in use.
• Know the Water: Be aware of currents, depth changes and undertows at beaches, lakes and rivers.
• Stay Healthy: Don’t swim when ill with diarrhea to prevent spreading germs.
• Check Water Quality: Ensure pools are properly disinfected. Local health departments routinely inspect public pools, spas and splash pads. 
• Be Cautious in All Recreational Waters: Lakes and rivers may carry bacteria or harmful algae blooms. Check advisories before swimming. 

Heat Safety: Protecting Against Rising Temperatures

According to the North Carolina Climate Science Update, the state continues to experience an increasing number of extreme heat days — those reaching 95 degrees or higher. From May through September 2024, North Carolina recorded over 4,600 emergency department visits for heat-related illness.

NCDHHS encourages all residents to:

• Watch for Symptoms: Nausea, dizziness, headache, confusion or a rapid pulse could indicate heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Hydrate and Cool Down: Move to a cooler area, sip water slowly and seek medical help if symptoms persist.
• Know Who's at Risk: Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, outdoor workers, athletes and those without air conditioning are most vulnerable.

To stay informed, sign up for the NCDHHS Heat Health Alert System on the NC Climate and Health team webpage.

Grill Smart: Avoid Foodborne Illness This Summer

Summer gatherings often mean grilling and increased risk for foodborne illness. The majority of reported foodborne outbreaks in North Carolina occur between May and August.

Stay safe with these grilling guidelines:

• Wash Up: Scrub hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
• Separate Raw and Cooked Foods: Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw meats apart from other foods.
• Cook to Safe Temperatures: Use a food thermometer to ensure meats reach the correct internal temperature.
• Store Leftovers Promptly: Refrigerate or freeze within two hours; consume within three to four days.
• Clean the Grill: Sanitize surfaces and utensils before and after each use.

For more information on healthy swimming practices, visit the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Healthy Swimming page, and for tips on safe grilling, visit Safe Grilling Tips. The CDC also has guidance for heat-related illness prevention. More summer safety tips are also available on the NCDHHS Division of Public Health website.