BALTIMORE — The Maryland Department of Health has reported 6 heat-related deaths in the past week.
During the week of July 31, there were 10 heat-related deaths, bringing the total to 16 deaths during the reporting period.
Three of the deaths occurred during the recent excessive heat event that occurred from July 17 through July 22.
The Health Department advises residents to to take precautions to be safer and more comfortable in the heat:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Reduce outside activities.
- Stay inside during the hottest time of day (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
- Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned locations.
- Check on older, sick, or frail people in your community who may need help responding to the heat.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time.
Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Seek medical help immediately if these symptoms occur:
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- High body temperature with cool and clammy skin
- Hot, dry, flushed skin
- Rapid or slowed heartbeat
