North Carolina Beaches Facing Dangerous Sharks, Alligators

The summer only just officially started, but North Carolina beaches are already dealing with dangerous sharks and alligators. According to authorities, North Carolina beaches have also brought more than 150 water rescues this season due to dangerous rip currents. While summer can be fun and visiting the beach is certainly a choice summertime activity, it's all a reminder to stay safe as you're swimming and soaking up the sunshine this season.

Let's start with that shark attack. According to the experts Sunset Beach Police Department, earlier this month, a young man was treated for injuries after an incident involving a shark bite. This incident took place at a Sunset Beach in Brunswick County, close to the South Carolina border. Officers say they were called to East Main Street near 11th Street to respond to a 20-year-old man who was injured while swimming. When officials got to the scene, they report the man had suffered a laceration to his lower leg after swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. The Police department first reported the incident as a shark bite, but since then, they've stated, "It appears the injury was caused by some sort of sea life." So, they don't know for sure if it was a shark, but that was their first thought. According to officials, the man was quickly taken to the hospital to get treatment from experts. So, look out for dangerous sharks in the water, especially this season. Sadly, Tamayo Perry, a lifeguard for Honolulu Ocean Safety, just died after a shark attack in Oahu, Hawaii.

There have been some alligator sightings, too. Last week, wildlife experts and police were called to Las Palmeras Mexican Restaurant on Chandlers Lane in Sunset Beach. According to police, "When the officers arrived, the alligator was tucked under the vehicle with his head peering out from the driver's side door, blocking access to the vehicle." I literally can't imagine walking up to my car and seeing an alligator near it. I would run the other way. Thankfully, the wildlife experts and police were able to get control of the alligator "out of concern for the safety of the vehicle owner" and take it to a local pond, according to police. "Never approach an alligator or allow children near them. Alligators can move very quickly over short distances," Sunset Beach Police warned. Dangerous rip currents are also a factor this season. Nearly each day, the National Weather Service warns of threatening rip currents in North Carolina waters. So, be careful out there and use common sense when coming up against nature, especially dangerous sharks.

Nobody likes dealing with severe weather. But, it's part of life. Depending on where you live in the United States, you might come up against hurricanes, tornados, severe thunderstorms, blizzards and more. I've certainly had my fair share of severe weather events. Probably my most vivid memory was being in an ice storm, which knocked power out for about a week where I lived, including during Christmas. It was freezing cold, so my family and I had to go to a hotel that was out of town. Needless to say, our Christmas plans were totally different that year. So, what are some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life?

Before we get to the main tips, let's get through some basics. Stay informed when a severe weather event is approaching. It's simple but important. You don't want to be caught off guard when bad weather strikes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service both have information that they provide leading up to and during a severe weather event. So, make sure to get the latest information in the case of any weather emergency. Local meteorologists also have good information, but the main alerts come from the National Weather Service.

Another mistake some people make is not taking "watches" seriously. For example, you might see that there's a severe thunderstorm watch in your area and think, oh, it's just a watch, I can go out for a walk. Don't do it. "A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain," the National Weather Service explains. We'll get more into the specifics of a watch, warning and advisory later in this story.

Let's get into some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life.

A weather advisory, watch and warning all need to be taken seriously. So, what do they mean? According to the National Weather Service, "a warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely." A watch is where "the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain." Finally, an advisory means, "hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely."

During a severe thunderstorm, and any severe weather event, the best thing to do is stay inside and sheltered. "The best defense against thunderstorms is to stay inside a sturdy building or shelter that can protect you from deadly lightning, large hail, damaging winds, flooding rain and tornadoes," the National Weather Service says. Also, you don't want to risk getting hit by lightning, like in the image below.

During a tornado, get underground if possible. If you don't have a basement, get to the lowest floor possible. Also, during a tornado, watch for flying and falling debris. The National Weather Service advises to "use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc. to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris."

Be prepared. Have a good emergency kit, both in your house and your car. For the car, "An emergency kit should include booster cables, shovel, tow rope, sand or cat litter, and a flashlight with extra batteries," the National Weather Service says. "Do not forget a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and blankets or sleeping bags."

This one my mom and dad always tell me to do. And, they're right. "Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel line," the National Weather Service advises.

Heat can make for a severe weather event, too. So, dress appropriately when it gets really hot. "Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures," the National Weather Service says. They add to guzzle lots of "water or non-alcoholic fluids."

Sometimes, you just have to leave ahead of the storm to be safe. In the case of a hurricane, the National Weather Service says to "leave immediately if ordered." They also say that if you are allowed to stay, to "take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can," and "stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors."

Weather isn't just about thunderstorms and tornados. Air quality is a big part of weather events these days, too. Be on the lookout for air quality alerts in your area. If you have respiratory issues, you should wear a mask when out and about in bad air quality. You should also say inside if the air quality is especially bad.

Even on a perfect weather day, if you're at the beach, there are risks. The NOAA states, "To stay safe, you need to stay aware of the weather, the ocean, tide, and what is going on around you." They add, "Storms, such as thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes far out at sea can create dangerous waves and currents at the beach, even on a sunny day!"