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 wellness, we encourage the public to review some summer safety information and learn about other seasonal health and wellness resources at the warmer months are approaching.
Outdoor security
Some insects can spread disease. Outdoor enthusiasts can protect themselves from mosquito bites that carry West Nile virus and tick bites that carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or other illnesses. Residents of North Dakota are encouraged to use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and take other precautions found at hhs.nd.gov.
At this time of year, when individuals may encounter wildlife, HHS recommends people take precautions to avoid interacting with wildlife. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of rabies and ways to prevent exposure at hhs.nd.gov/rabies.
Water safety
Water safety is especially important at this time of year. Swimming is one of the favorite activities of children and adults. It’s a fun and healthy way to stay physically active and spend quality time with family and friends.
Sunburn prevention
Sunburn is a common injury in the summer. 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 outdoors in the summer, even on cloudy days.
Food safety
Food poisoning peaks in the summer months due to warmer temperatures, which can promote the proliferation of foodborne germs. Every year, one in six Americans becomes ill 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 aid
HHS and the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction are teaming up to offer Electronic Transfer of Summer Pandemic Benefits, or P-EBT for short, to help families with the cost of food for their children during the summer months.
Help with childcare
The Child Care Assistance Program may be able to help with additional child care costs due to the end of the school year. Families are encouraged to see if they are eligible and to apply.
Cooling aid
Eligible households can receive assistance with the cost of purchasing and repairing air conditioners and other cooling appliances through the state’s Cooling Assistance Program.
Safety of child passengers
As families prepare to hit the road for summer adventures, parents are encouraged to ensure their children are not only safe while they play, but also safe on the way. Parents can find a car seat check event, where a trained person can help parents make sure their child’s car seat is installed and used correctly.
parents lead
School is over. Head over to the Daily 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 watch, listen and like.
Child Supervision Tips
Summer vacation can have parents wondering when it’s safe for kids to be without adult supervision. HHS and Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota have a resource called Home Alone: Is Your Child Ready? which provides general advice and answers common questions about child supervision.
