Your Safety

COVID - 19 Safety

The health and safety of those who visit and work in national parks continues to be paramount, which is why we ask visitors to be our partner in adopting social distancing practices. The CDC has offered guidance to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases while enjoying the outdoors.

Park rangers remain on duty to protect visitors and resources and uphold normal regulations. When recreating, the public is encouraged to follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, social distance and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. In some circumstances during these initial phases of resuming operations, visitors should be prepared for limited access to services.

We urge visitors to bring their own water, plan a visit at times other than busiest of the day, maintain social distance from other visitors, and if you encounter a crowded area or overlook, seek another location to recreate.

General Safety

Sun

Sunshine can be very intense. Use a sun block with a high SPF of 30 or wear long-sleeved light protective clothing. Drink plenty of liquids, especially water, and remember alcoholic drinks cause dehydration. There are touchless bottle fill stations available in the park. Bring your own water bottle. The water fountain function is not available.

Insects

Use insect repellent in warmer months or stay inside at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Gnats and mosquitoes are plentiful. Beware of biting fire ants found throughout the park.

Wildlife

The national historical park has a variety of wildlife. Please maintain a safe distance from all wildlife. Wildlife may become entangled in fishing lines. Please dispose of fishing gear including lines properly. Wildlife injured through natural processes can be common in the wild, however, wildlife injured by human actions or any endangered wildlife in need of assistance should be reported.

Weather

Weather conditions can change suddenly throughout the park. Check local weather reports and forecasts before traveling to the park.

When in the park, be prepared to take shelter and have a plan ready in case of inclement weather.

Thunderstorm Season Alert: National Park Service staff and volunteers will make decisions about visitor safety based on current conditions and guided by standard operating procedures. When visiting Fort Sumter or Fort Moultrie, we ask that visitors be aware of their surroundings and follow directions given by uniformed personnel in preparation for, and during, stormy conditions.

Visiting Historic Sites Safety

• Remain out of closed areas, do not cross barriers.

• Climbing is unsafe and can damage the historic fabric of structures.

• Please keep off mounds and the cannon throughout the park.

• Uneven surfaces are common throughout all historic structures.

• Walkways can be slippery and damp especially in the rain.

• Beware that some of the stairways have no handrails.