MD's First Heat-Related Death Recorded In Anne Arundel For 2019

ANNE ARUNDEL, MD — A woman has died because of the heat in Anne Arundel County, the first such death of 2019 in the state, according to the Maryland Department of Health. The victim was a woman over the age of 65, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said July 3. Her name, hometown, and date of death were not released.

“This tragic event reminds us about the dangers associated with hot weather, which can raise the body’s temperature, increasing the potential for heat-related illnesses, heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Fran Phillips in a news release. “Marylanders are urged to take every precaution to avoid overheating and to stay hydrated — if necessary, move to a cooling center.”

Temperatures have been in the low 90s off and on for the last week, with high humidity.

From May through September, MDH monitors temperature conditions and incidents of heat-related illness and death. In 2018 the department recorded 26 heat-related deaths during the summer. Two deaths were presumed to be homeless individuals.

Weekly reports may be found online through the Office of Preparedness and Response Extreme Heat website. The site also includes the state Heat Emergency Plan, information about heat-related illnesses and tips for staying safe and healthy during hot weather.

Health experts urge residents to follow these following tips to help cope with hot weather:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and overly-sweetened beverages
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing
• Avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen; stay in the shade when possible
• Avoid salt tablets, unless advised by a doctor to take them
• Take it easy outside: schedule physical activity in the morning or evening, when it’s cooler, and take short breaks if necessary
• Stay in air-conditioning when possible. If your home is not air-conditioned, consider visiting a shopping mall or public library

How To Stay Safe In The Heat

Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, can be fatal if not treated immediately.
It occurs when the body's temperature rises rapidly and the sweating mechanism fails, leading to overheating without a way to cool down.

Symptoms include confusion; slurred speech; seizures; hot, dry skin or extreme sweating; altered mental status; very high body temperature; and loss of consciousness/coma. If someone exhibits signs of heat-related illness, move the person to a cool, shaded area and call 911.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include: heavy sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; a fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; weakness or dizziness; and a headache.

Electric fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Contact your local health department for cooling center locations. Marylanders in need of energy assistance should call 2-1-1.

During heat never leave children or pets in a car for any amount of time, even with the windows cracked. Residents also are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors or relatives to ensure they have a cool place to stay.

Residents in need of cooling centers should contact their local health department or call 2-1-1 and provide their county location and ZIP code to get information about cooling center locations, hours of operation and available accommodations.