First Cold-Weather Death Recorded In Maryland For 2017

BALTIMORE, MD – One person has died as a result of cold weather in Maryland, state health officials announced Wednesday, marking the first cold weather-related death of the season. The victim was a woman in Garrett County who was older than 65, the Maryland Department of Health reported.

She died of hypothermia, officials said.

"Hypothermia can occur even when temperatures are 40 or 50 degrees outside," Dr. Jinlene Chan, acting deputy secretary for the Maryland Department of Health’s Public Health Services Administration, said in a statement.

“Now is the time to buy emergency supplies for your home and car, such as extra blankets and a first aid kit," Chan added.

The health department considers the winter season to be November through March. It monitors cold-related illnesses and deaths during that time, reporting on them weekly. The woman in Garrett County died in the Nov. 28 to Dec. 4 reporting period.

During the 2016-2017 winter season, there were 34 cold-related deaths, state health officials reported. Last winter, the first death of the season was a Baltimore woman who died from hypothermia in mid-December.

During the 2015-2016 winter season, authorities said there were 20 cold-related deaths in Maryland.

The Department of Health offers these tips for avoiding hypothermia:

• Cover head, mouth, ears and lower part of the face during extreme cold.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting layers and waterproof boots or sturdy shoes.

Maryland residents who need housing or energy assistance this winter to stay warm may call 2-1-1. See more tips for staying safe in extreme cold fro the Maryland Department of Health.

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