As summer approaches, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is urging residents to engage in outdoor activities with an emphasis on safety. With the advent of warmer weather, guidance on water safety, heat protection, and food safety is being provided to prevent potential health risks.
“Summer should be a time to enjoy the great outdoors and gather with family and friends,” remarked Dr. Kelly Kimple, Director of NCDHHS Division of Public Health. “By staying alert around water, taking heat seriously and handling food safely, we can help keep our communities safe and healthy all summer long.”
Water Safety: Key Measures to Avoid Drowning
Recognized during National Water Safety Month in May, the risk of drowning remains a significant concern, particularly as it ranks as a top cause of death for North Carolina children aged one to four. NCDHHS emphasizes several water safety practices for families visiting pools, lakes, and beaches:
- Actively supervise: Drowning can occur silently and swiftly. Maintain vigilance and closely monitor anyone in or near water.
- Secure pool areas: Ensure gates and doors are locked. Remove ladders from pools when not in use.
- Know the water: Be aware of conditions like currents, depth changes, and undertows at beaches and lakes.
- Stay healthy: Avoid swimming when ill to prevent germ transmission.
- Check water quality: Verify pool disinfection. Local health departments inspect public pools, spas, and splash pads. Recreational water quality alerts are also available for coastal waters through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
- Be cautious in all recreational waters: Avoid contact with water that appears discolored or scummy. For details on algal blooms, refer to the latest release from DEQ.
Heat Safety: Coping with High Temperatures
Heat impacts across North Carolina have been significant, with July 2025 marked as the second hottest statewide in 130 years. Last year, over 5,700 emergency department visits for heat-related illnesses were recorded from May through September. NCDHHS advises residents to:
- Watch for symptoms: Symptoms like nausea, dizziness, headache, confusion, or rapid pulse may indicate heat exhaustion or stroke.
- Hydrate and cool down: Move to cooler areas, drink water slowly, and seek medical help if symptoms persist.
- Know who’s at risk: Vulnerable groups include children, older adults, pregnant individuals, outdoor workers, athletes, and those without air conditioning.
- Stay informed: Register for NCDHHS Heat Health Alerts to receive notifications about dangerous heat levels.
Grill Smart: Mitigating Foodborne Illnesses
Summer gatherings often feature grilling, which increases the risk of foodborne illnesses. Most reported outbreaks in North Carolina occur between May and August. Follow these grilling safety tips:
- Wash up: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
- Separate raw and cooked foods: Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meats separate from other foods.
- Cook to safe temperatures: Ensure meats reach the correct internal temperature using a food thermometer.
- Store leftovers promptly: Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours; consume within three to four days.
- Clean the grill: Sanitize cooking surfaces and utensils before and after each use.
For additional summer safety tips, visit the NCDHHS Division of Public Health blog.
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