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Government » Departments A-E » Community Support & Outreach » Community Engagement and Health Education » Health & Community Programs

Summer Safety

Print

Stay Cool and Safe This Summer

Summer is a time for family fun—whether it's swimming at the lake, biking through the park, or camping under the stars. 

Drowning Prevention
Drowning remains the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4. 
Extreme Heat

Approximately 1,220 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year.

Less Screen Time
Kids ages 8-18 now spend, on average, a whopping 7.5 hours in front of a screen for entertainment each day, 4.5 of which are spent watching TV. 

Here are some essential safety tips to keep your family protected during your summer adventures:

  • Buckle Up
  • Beat the Heat
  • Drink Water
  • Use Sunscreen
  • Grill Smart
  • Avoid Bites
  • Gear Up
  • Secure Firearms
Car SeatSafety harnesses, whether a life jacket on the water or a car seat on the road, are non-negotiable for protecting lives.
 
Ensure that life jackets are U.S. Coast Guard-approved and that car seats are suitable for a child’s age, weight, and height as per the latest safety guidelines.

 

 

  • Boating safety tips from Safe Kids.
  • The Ultimate Car Seat Guide with practical tips to keep kids safe in cars.
  • Permanent car seat checking stations in Union County.
  • Find a car seat checkup and educational workshop near you.

Sun

Heatstroke is a serious risk during the hot summer months and humid and muggy conditions can make it seem hotter than it really is.

Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a short period. The temperature inside a parked vehicle can climb quickly even with the window down.

 

  • Prevent heat-related illness with additional tips from the CDC.
  • Learn the signs and symptoms of heat related illness and how to treat them.
  • CDC HeatRisk Tracker identifies upcoming heat events.
WaterStaying hydrated is crucial, especially during the hot summer months. Tap water is a safe and cost-effective way to quench your thirst.
 
Make sure to drink water regularly throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty. Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks which can cause you to lose more body fluid.  

 

  • Learn more about water and healthier drinks from the CDC.
Sunblock

Protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the summer.

Ensure you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating or toweling off.

 

 

  • Learn how else to protect your skin from the sun from the CDC.
  • Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US, learn more.
GrillGrilling and fireworks are staples of many celebrations, but they require careful handling to prevent burns and other injuries.
 
Always use grills outdoors in well-ventilated areas, keep them at a safe distance from buildings and other structures, and follow local regulations regarding fireworks to ensure everyone's safety during festive occasions.

Remember these important grilling tips for safe and fun celebrations:

  • Location: Set up your grill outdoor away from buildings, trees and anything else that could catch fire.
  • Clean your grill: Make sure your grill is clean and free of grease buildup.
  • Check for gas leaks: If you're using a gas grill, inspect the gas line for any leaks before lighting it.
  • Stay vigilant: Never leave your grill unattended while it's lit.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher handy: Make sure you have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it in case of an emergency.
  • Use long utensils: Avoid burns and keep a safe distance from the heat by using long-handled utensils.
Additional Tips:
  • Burn Smart. Burn Safe. Prevent injury and damage to property by burning safely and following state laws.
  • Protect your hearing while participating in noisy activities this summer with these tips
  • Avoid food poisoning during summer picnics.

BugTicks and mosquitoes can transmit various diseases, such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
 
Protect yourself by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when in wooded or grassy areas, and performing regular tick checks after outdoor activities.

 

 

  • Prevent tick bites and reduce exposure with thise CDC tips.
  • Check out this tool to assist you in removing attached ticks and seek health care.
HelmetWearing the right gear is crucial for preventing injuries while participating in sports and recreational activities.
 
Always equip yourself with properly fitted helmets, pads, and other protective gear appropriate for your activity to reduce the risk of injuries.

 

 

  • Safe Kids: Bike safety tips
  • Play games and sports with these safety tips in mind.
SafeProperly secure firearms in a locked cabinet or safe, use trigger locks, and store ammunition separately to significantly reduce the risk of accidental shootings and injuries.
 
You have a responsibility to safely secure firearms especially with children present to prevent unauthorized access to firearms.

 

  • Tips to store your firearm safely.
  • Explore options to secure your firearm.


Summer is a wonderful time to make lasting memories with your family. By following these safety tips, you can ensure that every adventure is not only fun but safe.

  • Take Swimming Lessons
    Water Safety Tips

    Actively supervise children in and around water, giving them your undivided attention.

    More Tips
  • Prevent Lead Exposure

    Exposure to lead is particularly harmful to children under the age of six, due to its effect on their rapidly developing brains and nervous systems.

    Learn More
  • Is youth vaping really an epidemic?

    E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco products among kids, with nearly 28% of high school students nationwide vaping. The bottom line: vaping is unsafe, especially for teens.

    Tobacco Prevention
Additional Resources
  • Safe Kids NC Safety Tips
  • National Safety Council: Summer Safety Tips
  • NC Office of State Fire Marshall Resources


Vehicle Safety

  • Buckle Up NC Resources
  • CDC Transportation Safety Resources
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Car Seat Recommendations for Children (English)
  • CDC: Heads Up Campaign Resources
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Fitting Your Bike Helmet
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Rules of the Road for Riding Safely
  • Safe Kids: Helmet Fit Test (English)
  • Safe Kids: Helmet Fit Test (Spanish)


Sun Protection

  • National Institute on Aging: Staying Safe in Hot Weather
  • American Academy of Dermatology Association Flyers and Posters
  • NCDHHS: Heat-Related Illnesses (English)
  • NCDHHS: Heat-Related Illnesses (Spanish)
  • CDC: Sun Safety Facts
  • CDC: Extreme Heat and Your Health
  • CDC: Heat & Older Adults
  • CDC: Heat & Infants and Children
  • CDC: Kids Summer Healthy Habits
  • CDC: Occupational Safety & Health Heat Stress
  • CDC: Pets & Extreme Heat


Outdoor Activities

  • CDC: Summer Swim Safety
  • CDC: Outdoor Play & Safety for Children
  • CDC: Firework Safety Month
  • CDC: Mosquitos and Ticks
  • CDC: Ticks

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