MDEM Newsroom - Page 33 MDEM Newsroom
CONTINUING WEATHER EVENT PROMPTS ADDITIONAL ACTION
July 7th, 2012Specialized Incident Management Team requested to
Assist MEMA and Local Agencies
Reisterstown (MD) …In an ongoing effort to ensure the safety of Maryland residents, The Maryland Emergency Management Agency has authorized a specialized Incident Management Team (IMT) to support the on-going response to a complex heat event that is affecting the State. This action will permit emergency management officials to continue to focus on their primary mission of supporting local agencies while ensuring coordination of critical messages and efforts.
“The extreme heat we are experiencing right now is both a public health and public safety event. We do not want people to be afraid – we want them to be informed,” said Ken Mallette, Executive Director of MEMA. “With information comes power and empowered citizens are better positioned to save their own lives as well as the lives of their neighbors.”
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 drink should be avoided as should alcoholic beverages.
The Baltimore Regional IMT is comprised of representatives from the Baltimore metropolitan region including Anne Arundel, Annapolis City, Baltimore City, and Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties. The team, formed after the terrorist attacks of 9-11, is designed to combine the resources of individual jurisdictions to effectively respond to any incident that has the potential to consume local resources. Past events such as Tropical Storm Isabel and the Amtrak train derailment highlight the potential for disasters in the local area.
MEMA URGES ACTION WITHIN COMMUNITIES
July 7th, 2012Wellness 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.
DHMH: Daily Heat-related Illness Surveillance Report
July 7th, 2012
Saturday, July 7th, 2012 – Reporting for July 6th, 2012 – This information is designed to give a snapshot of the daily effect of extreme heat events. More detailed statewide information will be made available during the regular weekly report. The following report is divided by Region1.
Keep Pets Safe in Summer Heat
July 7th, 2012- Never leave your pet in a car when you travel or do errands. During warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you’re parked in the shade. Dogs and cats can’t perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Pets left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die. To avoid any chance that your pet will succumb to the heat of a car this summer, leave your pets cool at home while you’re on the road. And if you do happen to see a pet in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control (703-931-9241 in Arlington) or the police department immediately.
- Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws.
- Another summertime threat is fleas and ticks. Use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even when used according to instructions.
- Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
- Don’t take your pets to crowded summer events such as concerts or fairs. The loud noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for pets. For your pet’s well being, leave her at home.
If your pet is exposed to high temperatures:
- Be alert for signs of heat stress-heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
- If your pet becomes overheated, you must lower her body temperature immediately.
- Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over her body to gradually lower her temperature.
- Apply ice packs or cool towels to your pet’s head, neck, and chest only.
- Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
- Finally, take your pet directly to a veterinarian-it could save her life.
Tips provided by the Humane Society of the United States and are available at: http://www.hsus.org.
Summer Heat Tips for cats and dogs
July 7th, 2012Summer sickness isn’t limited to humans — watch for these common hot weather pet problems.
Paw burns or cuts
What it looks like: Your pet will likely be limping or avoiding walking on the affected paw. The paw might be red, and the pad might be cracked, he said.
What to do: If the pad is torn, raw or bleeding, take your pet to its vet for a checkup, as this can lead to infection. Pad burns aren’t always serious, but they’re difficult to treat, as bandages typically need to be applied, and animals can’t easily be told not to lick or mess with the affected area.
What not to do: Don’t ignore limping or tenderness to your pet’s limbs. The symptoms are general and could point to a more serious condition, like a torn ligament.
Heat exhaustion or dehydration
What it looks like: Your pet will look lethargic. A dog will likely be sitting down with its tongue hanging out, and the end of the tongue might be starting to swell, he says. Severe symptoms include collapsing or the mucus membranes turning bright red.
What to do: Get your pet into a cool space with wind blowing on it. Getting a dog inside in the air conditioning, providing it with water and having a fan blow air on it. If the dog collapses or appears to be having trouble breathing, take it to a vet immediately.
What not to do: Avoid taking short-snouted dogs on walks when it’s too hot or humid outside.
Giardia or Parasite
What it looks like: Your pet will be vomiting or will have diarrhea.
What to do: Take your pet to see a vet or dropping off a stool sample with the vet. Animals can get parasites from drinking creek water, a common activity in the summer.
What not to do: Don’t write it off as a common sickness — some parasites can be passed from dogs to humans, so you might be putting the people in your home at risk.
Tips provided by the Falls Road Animal Hospital
Governor O’Malley Urges Caution During Continued Heat Wave
July 6th, 2012July 5th, 2012
ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has issued a heat advisory across the State for the next several days. As temperatures continue to soar, Governor Martin O’Malley urged Marylanders to take the necessary precautions to prevent heat related illnesses.
“It is important as temperatures reach over 100 degrees that we take the time to check on our family, friends, and neighbors who may be vulnerable to the extreme heat,” said Governor O’Malley. “Even residents in good health can become a victim of heat exhaustion. Whenever possible, avoid spending prolonged time outdoors, stay hydrated and remember to keep in touch with those who may need assistance.”
Hot weather tips:
- Drink plenty of fluids such as water and fruit juices to prevent dehydration — be aware that alcohol can impair the body’s sweat mechanisms, as can fairly common medications such as antihistamines and diuretics.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes.
- Avoid direct sunlight by staying in the shade or by wearing sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- When possible, stay in air-conditioned areas. If your home is not air-conditioned, consider a visit to a shopping mall or public library.
- NEVER leave pets or young children in a car, even with the windows cracked.
- Check on elderly relatives or neighbors daily. If you are concerned about an older or vulnerable person, call 211 for assistance.
- Take it easy when outdoors. Athletes and those who work outdoors should, if possible, take short breaks when feeling fatigued. Schedule physical activity during the morning or evening when it is cooler.
To find a cooling center in your area, visit, http://www.mema.state.md.us/MEMA2/Local_EOC.html.
Baltimore City: Code Red Heat Alert Extended through Sunday, July 8, 2012
July 6th, 2012
BALTIMORE, MD (July 5, 2012) – Because of predicted high temperatures, the ongoing storm recovery effort and the potential danger to health, Commissioner of Health Dr. Oxiris Barbot is extending the current Code Red Heat Alert through Sunday, July 8. Baltimore City will open 21 emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air and free water.
The Community Action Program will operate five centers around the city. These centers will be open from 11:00a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:
• Northern Community Action Center — 5225 York Road
• Southern Community Action Center — 606 Cherry Hill Road (inside the shopping center 2nd floor)
• Northwest Community Action Center — 3939 Reisterstown Road
• Southeastern Community Action Center — 3411 Bank Street
• Eastern Community Action Center – 1400 E. Federal Street
The Health Department’s Office of Aging and CARE Services will operate six additional cooling
centers. These centers will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:
• Waxter Center — 1000 Cathedral Street
• Oliver Center — 1700 N. Gay Street
• Sandtown-Winchester Center — 1601 Baker Street
• Hatton Center — 2825 Fait Avenue
• John Booth — 229 1/2 S. Eaton Street
• Zeta Center — 4501 Reisterstown Road
Additionally, the Department of Recreation and Parks will open nine recreation centers as cooling centers in areas with the greatest number of homes without electricity. These centers will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:
• Chick Webb Recreation Center, 623 Eden St.
• Ella Bailey Recreation Center, 100 E. Heath St.
• James McHenry Recreation Center, 911 Hollins St.
• Locust Point Recreation Center, 1627 E. Fort Ave.
• Mount Royal Recreation Center, 120 W. Mosher St.
• Robert C. Marshall Recreation Center, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave.
• Herring Run Recreation Center, 5001 Sinclair Lane
• Roosevelt Recreation Center, 1221 W. 36th St.
• Northwood Recreation Center, 1517 Winford Road
• Mary Rodman Recreation Center, 3600 W. Mulberry St.
“Heat is a silent killer. Residents should take the heat seriously. If you must be outdoors, take frequent breaks from the sun, drink lots of water and avoid consuming alcohol of caffeinated beverages, which speed dehydration,” Commissioner of Health Dr. Oxiris Barbot said. “We will continue reaching out to seniors, especially those that live alone or are medically frail.”
On a Code Red Heat Alert day, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends that city residents:
o Drink plenty of water or juice
o Avoid alcohol and caffeine
o Wipe skin with cool water as needed
o Reduce outside activities
o Wear light-weight and light-colored clothing
o Stay inside during the hottest time of day (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
o Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned locations
o Check on older, sick, or frail people in your community who may need help responding to the heat
o Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time
Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
o Confusion
o Nausea
o Light-headedness
o High body temperature with cool and clammy skin
o Hot, dry, flushed skin
o Rapid or slowed heart beat
o Seek medical help immediately if any of these symptoms occur
Residents who are concerned about a neighbor can call 311. Call 911 if you are having a heatrelated medical emergency.
City residents who want information on the closest cooling center can call 311, the city service line. Any city resident experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.
For more information, please visit our Website at www.baltimorehealth.org/coderedinfo.
TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF COOLING CENTERS AROUND MARYLAND
July 6th, 2012REISTERSTOWN, MD (July 6, 2012) – State and local agencies are working together to help those without air conditioning or transportation to be able to visit cooling centers around Maryland as the heat wave continues.
Approximately 95 cooling centers have been opened by local governments, non profits and faith-based groups around the state. But some individuals may not be able to get to the centers due to lack of transportation.
Those who do not have air conditioning and need transportation to get to a cooling center should call 211 (statewide in Maryland) or 311 (where available in Baltimore City and Montgomery County) for NON-emergency transportation assistance.
For more information about keeping cool during the heat, please visit www.mema.state.md.us.
DHMH: Daily Heat Report
July 6th, 2012July 6, 2012
Daily Heat-related Illness Surveillance Report
Report Friday, July 6th, 2012, Reporting for July 5th, 2012 -This information is designed to give a snapshot of the daily effect of extreme heat events. More detailed statewide information will be made available during the regular weekly report. The following report is divided by region1.
Somerset County Cooling Center Information
July 6th, 2012Public Service Announcement
SOMERSET COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE SOMERSET COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ARE ANNOUNCING LOCATIONS IN THE COUNTY WHICH ARE ACCESSIBLE FOR THE PUBLIC TO USE AS COOLING CENTERS. A COOLING CENTER IS NOT AN EMERGENCY SHELTER, BUT PROVIDES A COOL ENVIRONMENT DURING EXCESSIVE HEAT. YOU MUST BRING YOUR MEDICATION AND NO MEDICAL CARE IS PROVIDED. YOU ARE ALLOWED TO BRING FOOD AND DRINKS.
LOCATIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
- PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN PRINCESS ANNE AND CRISFIELD MONDAY THRU SATURDAY
- THE WOODROW WILSON COMMUNITY CENTER IN CRISFIELD MONDAY THRU FRIDAY
- THE PRINCESS ANNE MAC CENTER IS OPEN ON JULY 6TH 8 AM TO 4PM.
ADDITIONAL CENTERS MAY OPEN OVER THE WEEKEND (JULY 7TH-8TH) IF NEEDED AND ANY NEW LOCATIONS WILL BE POSTED ON THE PUBLIC HEALTH HEAT EMERGENCY LINE. FOR LOCATIONS CALL 410-651-5600. FOR ASSISTANCE WITH TRANSPORTATION TO A COOLING CENTER, CALL 410-651-0707.