Heat-Related Death Reported In Prince George's County

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD -- The Maryland Department of Health's weekly heat-related illness surveillance report indicated that a man died from the heat in Prince George's County last week.

The report, which covers July 9-15, indicates that there were four total deaths over that period in Maryland, with one of the deaths in Prince George's County. The report only identifies the victim as a man between the ages of 18-44.

Heat indices are expected to soar well into the 100s this week in the D.C. area, putting locals at risk of heat-related illness and death.

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.

Additional reporting by Deb Belt/Patch