2 Die In Maryland Heat Wave; Officials Urge Everyone To Be Careful
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Killer heat descends on Maryland. Baltimore City is under a Code Red Heat Alert Monday and Tuesday. People working outside Monday battled the high temperatures and we've learned this dangerous heat has claimed the lives of two more people in Baltimore City.
Derek Valcourt has more.
This kind of heat is so severe it's already killed two people and now officials are warning everyone to avoid outdoor work and exercise.
No matter what age you are, doctors say this kind of heat can lead to big time problems, especially if you're working outside in it. But it's the elderly who are most susceptible. Already a 95-year-old woman and an 81-year old man have died from heat-related complications this summer.
That's why health officials are urging people to check in on their elderly neighbors frequently, with a warning that it takes time before the effects of the heat can catch up with you.
"And so the two heat-related deaths that we've had so far this summer have come a few days after a string of Code Reds, so when you check on your neighbors, check on them the day of the Code Red, but also check on them the day after and the day after that," said City Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot.
Fatigue, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, headaches and nausea are all signs doctors say the heat is catching up with you.
Baltimore City is opening their cooling centers where city residents can come in to chill out in the air conditioning and get free ice water.
Ice water is the keyword. Doctors say if you're going to spend any time outside, it's important to hydrate and take lots of frequent breaks so you don't get overheated.
