MEMA URGES ACTION WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Wellness Checks Critical in Saving Lives

Reisterstown (MD) … With continued record heat across the State, Maryland officials are asking citizens to take an active role in saving
lives.

“We need every citizen in Maryland to check on their neighbor,” said Ken Mallette, Executive Director of MEMA. “This extreme heat event poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of everyone, including otherwise healthy individuals. This is an incredibly serious situation requiring continued action. Citizen first responders represent our most direct capacity to save lives.”

In addition to wellness checks between neighbors, citizens are strongly encouraged to follow the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene guidelines during this heat event. Across the State, Cooling Centers have been opened and the State is coordinating available transportation through its 2-1-1 phone line. A list of cooling centers is available on the MEMA website at http://www.mema.state.md.us.

Additionally, severe weather is predicted within the next 24 hours as a cold front moves through the area. The National Weather Service is predicting scattered severe thunderstorms with potentially damaging winds and hail.

Media entities are requested to share the following information with the public so that they can make the right decisions about their
safety:

1. Members of the public are asked to check on their neighbors several times each day. Individuals who are experiencing headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, or a rapid heart beat should seek immediate attention.

2. Statewide phone numbers have been established to provide all Marylanders with access to essential services including transportation
to cooling centers. The phone numbers are 211 statewide and 311 in Baltimore City and Montgomery County.

3. Hydration is the primary way to combat the effects of heat ~ people should be consuming at least eight glasses of water daily. This amount should be increased for those working outdoors. Caffeinated beverages such as soda or carbonated energy drinks should be avoided as should alcoholic beverages.

The Baltimore Regional IMT continues to support MEMA operations in a coordinating capacity. The IMT is a state asset that is available to local jurisdictions to provide similar coordinating services. Jurisdictions who identify the need for support can contact MEMA to
request the IMT.