Special to IFN
RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reminds residents to enjoy outdoor activities safely this summer season. As warmer weather arrives, NCDHHS is sharing tips on water safety, heat protection and food safety to help prevent illness, injury and death.
“Summer should be a time to enjoy the great outdoors and gather with family and friends,” said Dr. Kelly Kimple, director of the 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: Preventing Tragedy Before It Happens
May is National Water Safety Month. Drowning is preventable, but is a leading cause of death for North Carolina children ages 1-4. As families make plans to visit 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 stay alert and keep a close eye on anyone in or near water.
♦ Secure pool areas: Keep gates and doors closed and locked. Remove pool ladders when not in use.
♦ Know the water: Stay aware of water conditions like currents, depth changes and undertows at beaches, lakes and rivers.
♦ Stay healthy: Don’t swim when ill to prevent spreading germs.
♦ Check water quality: Ensure pools are properly disinfected. Local health departments routinely 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: Lakes and rivers may contain bacteria or organisms that can make you sick. Avoid contact with water that appears bright green, blue, discolored or scummy, or includes large accumulations of algae. For more information on algal blooms, read the latest release from DEQ.
Heat Safety: Protecting Against Rising Temperatures
Heat has broad impacts across North Carolina. July 2025 was the second warmest July statewide in 130 years, but the hottest in Raleigh and tied for warmest in Asheville. From May through September of last year, North Carolina recorded over 5,700 emergency department visits for heat-related illness. In addition to staying cool and hydrated, 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 heat-related illness
♦ Stay informed: Sign up for NCDHHS Heat Health Alerts to be notified if the heat index is expected to reach dangerous levels in your area.
Grill Smart: Avoid Foodborne Illness This Summer
Summer gatherings often mean grilling out and increased risk for foodborne illness. The majority of reported foodborne outbreaks in North Carolina occur between May and August each year. Stay safe with these grilling guidelines:
♦ Wash up: Scrub hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food items.
♦ 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 before consuming.
♦ Store leftovers promptly: Refrigerate or freeze leftover foods within two hours; consume within three to four days.
♦ Clean the grill: Sanitize cooking surfaces and utensils before and after each use.