Unfortunately, around 658 people succumb to extreme heat and temperatures each year. However, determining the exact number isn't possible due to the number of people who have heat-related illnesses that don't report it. Thankfully, staying cool in the summer and avoiding heat-related illnesses are possible.

The first step toward learning how to stay cool in the heat is reading this guide below. Here, you'll find everything you need to know about having fun in the North Carolina sun while remaining safe and cool. Don't let the harsh heat from the sun prevent you from enjoying your summer, continue reading below for more information on staying cool in the summer!

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1. Keep yourself hydrated

It's easy to quickly become dehydrated during the summer. You're out having fun, enjoying a day by the pool, and all of the excitement causes you to forget to stop and refresh your body with cold water. On average, a person needs between 11 and 16 cups of water daily.

Although your weight, diet, gender, and other factors might affect this number, so always know how much water your body specifically needs. Remember to pack enough water with you no matter where you're going or what you're doing. Use thermoses that keep liquids cool for several hours, and consider adding some fresh fruit into your water to help give it flavor and make it more enjoyable to drink.

2. Lower the temperature of your feet

A great way to keep your body cool during the summer is to plan a day full of swimming! A swimming pool or lake will help keep your body temperature cool when the sun is the hottest, but if you don't have access to a lake or pool, don't worry. Placing your feet in cold water can help cool your entire body down.

Submerge your feet, ankle-deep, in cold water, and instantly feel the heat leave your body. Grab a large pot and fill it with cold water and ice cubes. Place it outside next to your lawn chair to stay cool even while outside.

3. Snack on frozen fruits

This next way to beat the heat is a favorite among children and adults alike! Take some of your favorite fruits and put them in the freezer. Snacking on frozen fruit is a great way to lower your body temperature while fueling it with nutrients.

Frozen grapes and blueberries are two popular choices. Make sure to place them in the freezer the night before you plan to eat them to ensure they're completely frozen and ready for consumption!

4. Shut doors to unused rooms

When all of the doors in your home are left open, your air conditioning unit must cool the entire home. If there's an unused room in your home, then consider shutting the door to that room. This creates a smaller space for your AC unit to cool down.

The unit won't have to work as hard and can cool your home down quicker. Make sure to shut the curtains and blinds in the room before shutting it off from the rest of the house to help keep it cool as well.

5. Avoid the sun when it's strongest

The sun is hottest during midday. This is normally between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The UV rays are the strongest at this time, and you're more prone to getting a sunburn during these times.

Always check the weather and heat advisories, and if possible, then try to plan your day around this time frame. Spend time outdoors before or after and schedule all of your indoor activities for midday. If you must be outdoors between peak hours, then do be sure to wear sunscreen and reapply every 30 minutes.

6. Close blinds and curtains

Opening the blinds and curtains in your home when you wake up in the morning is a wonderful way to start your day. You let in the natural light and prepare your mind for the day ahead of you. However, keeping the blinds and curtains open throughout the day can let in heat and cause your AC unit to work overtime.

Close both the blinds and curtains at midday to keep the heat out of your home. Reopen them after 3 pm, when the sun's UV rays aren't as harsh. This will also save money on your energy bill.

7. Use the right summer fan direction

Which way should your ceiling fans turn during the summer? You want to make sure you're using the right summer fan direction to push air down and create a cool breeze throughout your home. During the summer, you want the ceiling fan blades to spin counterclockwise.

Doing this will maintain a room's temperature and reduce the need for your air conditioner to run on a constant basis. Check all of the fans in your home to confirm they're set to spin counterclockwise.

8. Bring the shade everywhere you go

No, we don't mean the type of shade you give your rivalry. We're talking about total protection from the sun. When you're spending several hours outdoors, you can always ensure there's shade no matter where you go by bringing a travel-size umbrella with you!

You can keep it in your car, in your purse, or in your bag. When you're sitting or standing under direct sunlight, pop open your umbrella for instant shade.

Staying cool in a North Carolina summer might be easier than you think

There's no doubt that summers in North Carolina can get intense. Staying cool doesn't have to be difficult. Always check for heat advisories for the day ahead of you before planning a day outdoors.

Then, use all of the helpful information given in this guide above to ensure you stay safe and cool while having fun! Looking for fun things to do with the family this summer? Check out these 50 events coming up in the Raleigh area this month.