As summer unofficially begins, Baltimore's health commissioner is urging residents to be wary of the risks of extreme heat.
"Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of people dying and thousands becoming ill every year," Dr. Leana Wen said in a statement. "Heat waves are silent killers and a public health threat, particularly for the young, the elderly and those in our city who are the most vulnerable."
In Baltimore, three deaths were linked to excessive heat last summer, compared with two in 2013 and 13 in 2012, according to the city health department. Statewide, eight heat-related deaths occurred in 2014, 17 in 2013 and 46 in 2012, according to the state health department.
Children, the elderly and people with underlying respiratory problems and other health conditions are most at risk of hyperthermia, when body temperature rises because of an inability to regulate heat, as well as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
The city Health Department issues "Code Red" advisories any day the heat index is forecast to reach 105 degrees or higher. The index factors in humidity with temperature and indicates what the temperature feels like. When an advisory is declared, cooling centers will be opened at five community centers and six senior centers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. A list of the centers is available at baltimorecity.gov.
In extreme heat, residents are encouraged to stay out of the sun and seek air-conditioned shelter, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion (when the overheated body is depleted of water or salt) and heat stroke (when an inability to regulate body temperature causes brain damage) include confusion; hot, dry and flushed skin or cold and clammy skin; lightheadedness; and nausea.
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