Maryland has recorded its first cold weather-related death of the winter season, according to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH).

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner says the victim, an adult female, died from hypothermia last week in Baltimore City. No additional details will be released, to protect health privacy.

“Temperatures can drop quickly across the state, and it’s critical to prepare before a system of winter weather hits,” says DHMH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “Stock your family’s emergency kit for home and for your car. Be sure to include extra blankets, food, water and a first aid kit.”

In the 2015-2016 winter season, 20 hypothermia-related deaths were reported in Maryland.

Maryland residents in need of housing or energy assistance to keep warm this winter should call 2-1-1 to see if there are resources available to help. For more information on emergency preparedness, visit http://preparedness.dhmh.maryland.gov.

At this year’s MACo Winter Conference, attendees learned how local jurisdictions are utilizing year-round data collection and assessments to strengthen partnerships and collaborate on best practices in order to provide safety and warmth to the homeless throughout the year, especially during cold weather months. Click here to read a summary of MACo’s “Winter is Coming: Fortify Your Shelters for Frosty Weather” workshop, which was held on December 8, 2016.