Bradley Kinlaw, director of Onslow County Emergency Services, used the county broadcast to remind residents and visitors of summer safety and hurricane preparedness measures.

Kinlaw said heat-related calls rise during summer and urged people to stay hydrated: "That's one of the biggest, EMS needs we see during the summer." He warned about rip currents and advised swimming parallel to shore to escape a rip current.

On celebrations and fireworks, Kinlaw summarized state rules and cautioned against high-powered pyrotechnics on beaches. "If it leaves the ground, it's probably illegal in the state of North Carolina," he said, and encouraged people to use only legal retail fireworks and to exercise care even with items that seem benign, such as sparklers.

Kinlaw also urged boaters to obey life jacket and alcohol rules and asked residents to prepare for hurricane season: "It's coming whether we want it or not. So let's be prepared. Ensure you have a plan to evacuate if needed. Ensure you have a plan to develop a kit." He recommended signing up for the county alert system, Alert Onslow, and checking insurance coverage, including flood insurance: "If you need flood insurance, make sure you get that. Because when FEMA comes to town, they're only delivering pennies on the dollar compared to what your insurance company does."

He closed by asking residents to stay tuned to media and smartphone alerts and to be good neighbors during the season so emergency services can focus on those in greatest need.

Ending note: Kinlaw directed listeners to the county website and the Alert Onslow sign-up for official weather and emergency updates.