MD's First Heat Death Of Year Reported In Prince George's County

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — The Maryland Department of Health on Wednesday announced the state's first heat-related death of the year. Officials noted that the victim was a man in his 40s who died in Prince George's County.

“As this tragedy shows, heat-related illness, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can result in serious ailments and even death,” Deputy Secretary for Public Health Dr. Jinlene Chan said in a press release. “As the weather gets hotter, Marylanders are urged to take extra precautions to avoid overheating and check on friends and neighbors that may be susceptible to heat-related illness.”

Though heat can affect anybody, the most at-risk groups include:

• Children under 5
• Adults over 65
• People with chronic illnesses
• Individuals taking certain medications
• Those who are exercising or working outdoors

Health officials offered these tips to stay safe this summer:

• 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

Leaders also asked Marylanders not to leave their children or pets in the car. Even with cracked windows and short trips, vehicles can quickly warm up.

The Maryland Department of Health monitors the temperature from May through September. Residents can find weekly reports, the state's heat emergency plan, information about heat-related illnesses and safety tips on the Office of Preparedness and Response Extreme Heat webpage.

Locals can call 2-1-1 to find their nearest cooling centers. More resources are available here.

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