Record Heat Had Deadly Impact In Maryland
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Last week's heat wave scorched the Baltimore area, leaving three people in Maryland dead.
Monique Griego has more on how you can prepare for the next wave.
So far this year, nine people have died from heat-related conditions. And with temperatures expected to rise again, state leaders hope that number doesn't increase.
For 80-year-old Margaret Schmidt, 100 degree temperatures can mean an unexpected trip to the emergency room.
"If you stay in it long enough, it will make you dizzy. It will take your oxygen away from you," Schmidt said.
Maryland health officials say last week three people died from heat-related conditions, bringing the total for the year to nine.
State leaders didn't release a lot of information about the victims-- only saying one was an elderly woman over the age of 65. The other two were men between the age of 45 and 64. All of them had underlying medical conditions.
"We always say the most vulnerable folks are people with pre-existing medical conditions, people living alone, people living without air conditioning," said Dr. Clifford Mitchell, State Health Department.
Last week, 478 people went to Maryland emergency rooms with heat-related illnesses. Friday--the hottest day--saw the highest number with 115 people seeking help.
"Anybody can get into trouble in the heat, and that includes people without pre-existing medical conditions," Mitchell said.
So if the sun starts blazing down again, Mitchell says stay hydrated, try to get some shade, and don't forget to check on people who may need your help.
Schimdt says her neighbors always make sure she's OK. She encourages others to do the same.
"Always check out for them because you never know what could happen," she said.
Of the nine people who died, there was one person who didn't have any other medical condition.
The potentially dangerous conditions are expected to return to Maryland this week.
