First Heat-Related Death Of 2022 In MD Was In Baltimore County: State

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — A man died in Baltimore County as a result of the heat, according to the Maryland Department of Health. He was not identified other than as a 65-year-old man, health officials reported Wednesday, June 1.

At highest risk of heat-related illness are people under age 5, older than age 65, those exercising or working outside, people suffering from chronic illness and those who take certain medicines, according to state health officials, who noted anyone can get sick from the heat.

“As this tragedy shows, heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can result in serious ailments and even death,” Deputy Secretary for Public Health Dr. Jinlene Chan said in a statement issued Wednesday.

"During hot weather, Marylanders are urged to take precautions to avoid overheating and check on friends and neighbors that may be susceptible to heat-related illness, especially older adults and people with chronic disease," Chan said.

Here are some tips to weather the heat safely, from state health officials:

• Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and very sugary beverages.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Apply sunscreen.
• Avoid the sunlight, staying in the shade when possible.
• Schedule physical activity for the morning or evening when it is cooler, and take breaks.
• Do not take salt tablets unless advised by a doctor to take them.

During hot weather, Marylanders are reminded not to leave pets or children in their cars, even if the windows are open, for any period of time.

It is expected to feel like nearly 100 degrees on Wednesday in Baltimore County, according to the National Weather Service. The forecast shows it will be 97 degrees on the heat index from 2 to 4 p.m.

To find the nearest cooling center, officials advise calling 2-1-1.

From May to September, the state monitors heat-related deaths. Last week, there were no deaths reported, but heat-related illness complaints peaked on May 21, when emergency rooms around the state received nearly 120 complaints related to heat exposure, according to the Maryland Department of Health's weekly heat report.

See the latest forecast from the National Weather Service and AccuWeather.