Officials share safety tips as summer activity season kicks off

State officials are offering summer safety tips ahead of the Memorial Day holiday.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is emphasizing safety for people engaging in traditional summertime activities such as swimming and outdoor grilling.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning remains the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4 nationwide. Officials say adults should actively supervise kids in or near water, secure pool area gates and doors, and be aware of beach water conditions, including currents and undertows.

Outdoor grilling can lead to foodborne illness, so chefs should wash their hands, keep raw foods separate from cooked and ready-to-eat items, store food properly and make sure grills are cleaned and sanitized.

And with more hot days on the horizon, officials say do not ignore danger signs like nausea, headache and dizziness. NCDHHS offers email alerts for when the local heat index is expected to be unhealthy.