Maryland’s first 2015 heat-related death involved young child left in hot car
Parents urged to check vehicles before walking away from them
Baltimore, MD (July 16, 2015) – The first heat-related death of the 2015 season has occurred, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has confirmed. The death occurred in June, and was a female under age 4 in Baltimore City who was left in a car.
“Infants and children are at high risk for heat-related illnesses. It's vitally important that parents always check their back seats and never leave children alone in a hot car,” says Dr. Howard Haft, Deputy Secretary for Public Health. “Don't leave children alone in any car at any time. Even a warm day can turn a closed car into a deadly oven in a very short time.”
Marylanders in need of a cooling center should contact their local health department or visit the DHMH heat emergency website at
www.dhmh.maryland.gov/extremeheat. Maryland residents in need of energy assistance to keep cool this summer should call 2-1-1 Maryland to see if there are resources available to help.
In 2014, there were eight confirmed heat-related deaths from May through September in Maryland. In 2013, there were 17 during that time period, with 46 in 2012, 34 in 2011 and 32 in 2010. For weekly reports that provide guidance and information about heat-related deaths and illness, visit
www.dhmh.maryland.gov/extremeheat. The site also includes the State Heat Plan, facts about heat-related illnesses and hot weather tips.
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The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is the state government agency that protects Maryland’s public health and also works to help Marylanders make better health decisions for better health outcomes. Stay connected: www.twitter.com/MarylandDHMH and www.facebook.com/MarylandDHMH.
