As heat advisories continue across Maryland, local and state health officials ramp up communication efforts to protect residents.
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) provides a weekly heat-related illness report from May through September. The report from June 16 – June 22 confirmed two heat-related deaths so far this season. During 2023, no heat-related deaths were recorded until July.
A Maryland Matters article highlighted the communication efforts happening at the state level. State leaders in environmental health have focused on drawing attention to how quickly an issue can arise in these types of temperatures. From the article:
“It doesn’t take long to get into trouble,” said Clifford S. Mitchell, director of the Environmental Health Bureau in the state Department of Health. “People really should be listening to their bodies. And if they are starting to feel a little uncomfortable and they’re out in the heat, do not wait,” Mitchell said. “Get yourself inside, get yourself in a place where it’s cool and where you can get some water to drink.”
Local health departments and county governments have been opening mobile and fixed location cooling centers across the state in an effort to increase access.
We are experiencing extreme heat in our region today. If you need to #BeattheHeat, there are several cooling centers located across the County. Locate a center near you at: https://t.co/xGcpkpRyEa pic.twitter.com/g4I58S5hmO
— County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (@CEXAlsobrooks) July 5, 2024
Stay cool, stay hydrated, and remember to check in on your vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors! ☀️ https://t.co/EAyIO64NKG
— Baltimore County (@BaltCoGov) July 5, 2024
Read all current 2024 heat-related illness reports from MDH.
