North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages North Dakotans to have a safe and healthy Memorial Day weekend. With a focus on prevention, health and well-being, we encourage the public to review some summer safety information and learn more about other seasonal health and well-being resources as we head into the warmer months.
Outdoor Safety
Certain insects can spread diseases. Outdoor enthusiasts can protect themselves against bites from mosquitoes that can carry the West Nile virus and bites from ticks that may carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever or other diseases. North Dakotans are encouraged to use Environmental Protection Agency registered insect repellent, to wear protective clothing and to take other measures found on hhs.nd.gov.
This time of year, when individuals may encounter wildlife, HHS recommends that people take precautions to avoid interacting with wild animals. Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of rabies and ways to prevent exposure at hhs.nd.gov/rabies.
Water Safety
Particularly important this time of the year is water safety. Swimming is one of the most popular activities for children and adults. It’s a fun, healthy way to stay physically active and spend quality time with family and friends.
Sunburn Prevention
Sunburn is a common summertime injury. Unprotected skin can be burned by the sun’s ultraviolet rays in as little as 15 minutes, but it can take up to 12 hours for the skin to show the damage. Sunscreen is recommended for anyone working and playing outside in the summer, even on cloudy days.
Food Safety
Food poisoning peaks during the summer months due to warmer temperatures, which can let foodborne germs thrive. Each year, one in six Americans get sick from eating contaminated food.
Learn more about water safety, sunburn prevention, safe food handling and other outdoor safety tips at hhs.nd.gov/prevention/summer-safety.
Food Help
HHS and the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction are partnering to offer Summer Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer, or P-EBT for short, to help families with the cost of food for their children during the summer months.
Child Care Assistance
The Child Care Assistance Program may be able to help with added child care costs due to the end of the school year. Families are encouraged to see if they qualify and to apply.
Cooling Assistance
Eligible households can receive help with the cost of purchasing and repairing air conditioners and other cooling devices through the state’s cooling assistance program.
Child Passenger Safety
As families prepare to hit the road for summer adventures, parents are encouraged to ensure that their children are not only safe while they play, but also safe on the way. Parents can find a car seat checkup event, where a trained individual can help parents make sure their child’s car seat is installed and used correctly.
Parents Lead
School is out. Head over to everyday tips at parentslead.org where parents can get tools to support their child’s well-being. Today your kids have more influencers than ever, and you’re one of them. All you need is to look, listen and love.
Child supervision guidance
Summer break can leave parents with questions about when it’s safe for children to be without adult supervision. HHS and Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota have a resource titled Home Alone: Is Your Child Ready? that provides some general guidance and answers common questions about child supervision.