MDEM Newsroom - Page 34 MDEM Newsroom
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.
DHMH: State Issues Heat Advisory for Upcoming Weekend
July 6th, 2012Baltimore City, Maryland — July 5 2012 -As the current weather emergency stretches into its second week, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) is releasing a heat advisory covering Friday, July 6 in the Capital, Central, Southern and Western regions of Maryland, Saturday, July 7 for all of Maryland and Sunday, July 8 for the Capital, Central, Eastern and Southern regions. Heat response plans may also be activated in jurisdictions in these regions.
DHMH is continuing to work with preparedness and response partners to monitor conditions at skilled nursing facilities and dialysis centers and is responding to requests for assistance from local health departments.
Marylanders in need of a cooling center should visit the state’s Cooling Center link at www.maryland.gov.
Heat advisories are issued by DHMH as part of the Maryland Heat Emergency Plan when weather conditions, including excessive heat and/or humidity, have the potential to cause heat-related illness. DHMH activates the Plan any time the forecast shows a high chance of reaching the trigger point of 105 degrees.
Daily Heat Reports are posted after 4 p.m. on the DHMH home page under Reports during the current weather emergency. Additional information, including the State Heat Plan, Heat Reports, FAQs, and tips is posted under Extreme Heat under Hot Topics at www.dhmh.maryland.gov.
Residents can log on to www.mema.state.md.us and follow the Operations Center on Twitter at @mdmema.
Reporter Note: For additional weather emergency-related information and inquiries, contact the on-duty Public Information Officer at the State’s Emergency Operations Center at 410-517-3600.
Hyperthermia – A Hot Weather Hazard for Older People
July 5th, 2012It is important for seniors to remember that they are at particular risk for hyperthermia, a heat-related illness brought on by long periods of exposure to intense heat and humidity, which causes an increase in a person’s core body temperature (98.6°)(37°C). The two most common forms of hyperthermia are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat Exhaustion is a warning that the body is getting too hot. The person may be thirsty, giddy, weak, uncoordinated, nauseous, sweating profusely and the skin is cold and clammy.
Heat Stroke caused by excessive exposure to hot, humid temperatures kills an average of 1,700 persons in the United States each year. About 80% of heat stroke deaths occur in persons age 50 and older, because age and other factors such as
disease, dehydration and medications diminish the ability of the body to compensate for increased core temperatures. A person with Heat Stroke has a body temperature above 104°F. Symptoms may include confusion, combativeness, bizarre behavior, faintness,
staggering, strong rapid pulse, dry flushed skin, lack of sweating and possible delirium or coma. Immediate medical attention is essential when problems first begin.
What can be done to prevent hyperthermia?
• Drink plenty of liquids, even if not thirsty. Seniors should drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water throughout the day. Eating a variety of fruits with high water content such as watermelon, pineapple, grapes, strawberries, peaches, apples and pears will also help to supply needed body fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Dress in light-weight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Avoid the mid-day heat and do not engage in vigorous activity during the hottest time of the day—between noon and 4:00 p.m. When
participating in outdoor sports and activities, be sure to protect the skin by using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher (exposure to sunlight is a major cause of skin-related health problems). Wear a hat or use an umbrella for shade.
• If possible, use air conditioners liberally or try to visit air-conditioned places such as senior centers, shopping malls, libraries and theatres.
• Get accustomed to the heat by slowly exposing yourself to it briefly at first and increasing the time little-by-little.
• Avoid hot, heavy meals. Do a minimum of cooking and use an oven
only when absolutely necessary. Remember to practice safe food handling
during the warmer temperatures. Perishable foods should never be left
out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Top Ten Tips on Keeping Seniors Safe in Summer Heat
● Drink plenty of liquids — eight or more 8-ounce glasses per day and or fruit juices — every day to stay hydrated.
● Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
● Dress appropriately. Wear loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics like cotton and dress in light colors that will reflect the sun and heat instead of darker colors that will attract them.
● When outdoors, protect your skin from damage by wearing hats, sunglasses and a sunscreen of 30 SPF or more.
● Stay indoors during extreme heat. Make sure you check in with family or friends everyday if you live by yourself
● If you do not have air conditioning in your apartment, go somewhere that does. A movie theater, the mall, a friend or relative’s home or a community senior center are all good options.
● If you need to get out of the house and don’t drive a car, call a taxi, a friend or a transportation service. Do NOT wait outside for the bus in
extreme heat.
● If you are absolutely unable to leave the house and do not have air conditioning, take a cool bath or shower to lower your body temperature on extremely hot days.
● Temperatures inside the home should not exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods of time.
● Know the signs of heat stroke (e.g flushed face, high body temperature, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, dizziness and confusion) and take
immediate action if you feel them coming on
“Our goal is to get the word out to warn older adults of the dangers associated with heatand to encourage them to take measures to protect themselves so they can have a safe and enjoyable summer. During periods of extreme heat, I would also urge family members, caregivers and neighbors of older individuals to frequently check on them to make sure their homes are properly ventilated and cooled, and that they have adequate fluids and foods,” said Gloria Lawlah, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Aging.
For further information on hot weather health and safety tips for seniors, contact your local Area
Agency on Aging or Judy Simon, Maryland Department of Aging, at 410-767-1090, or toll free; 1-800-243-
3425.
Executive Order: Super Emergency Derecho Event – Download A Copy
July 4th, 2012Download Executive Order Here: EO 01 01 2012 13 (PDF 735.72 kb)
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGING ISSUES SUMMER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
July 4th, 2012Baltimore, MD (July 3, 2007) – Summer weather and outdoor activities generally go hand-in-hand. However, it is important for older adults to recognize, prepare for, and take action to avoid severe health problems and conditions often associated with summer weather.
Hyperthermia – A Hot Weather Hazard for Older People
It is important for seniors to remember that they are at particular risk for hyperthermia, a heat-related illness brought on by long periods of exposure to intense heat and humidity, which causes an increase in a person’s core body temperature (98.6°)(37°C). The two most common forms of hyperthermia are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat Exhaustion is a warning that the body is getting too hot. The person may be thirsty, giddy, weak, uncoordinated, nauseous, sweating profusely and the skin is cold and clammy.
Heat Stroke caused by excessive exposure to hot, humid temperatures kills an average of 1,700 persons in the United States each year. About 80% of heat stroke deaths occur in persons age 50 and older, because age and other factors such as disease, dehydration and medications diminish the ability of the body to compensate for increased core temperatures. A person with Heat Stroke has a body temperature above 104°F. Symptoms may include confusion, combativeness, bizarre behavior, faintness, staggering, strong rapid pulse, dry flushed skin, lack of sweating and possible delirium or coma. Immediate medical attention is essential when problems first begin.
What can be done to prevent hyperthermia?
- Drink plenty of liquids, even if not thirsty. Seniors should drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water throughout the day. Eating a variety of fruits with high water content such as watermelon, pineapple, grapes, strawberries, peaches, apples and pears will also help to supply needed body fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Dress in light-weight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Avoid the mid-day heat and do not engage in vigorous activity during the hottest time of the day—between noon and 4:00 p.m. When participating in outdoor sports and activities, be sure to protect the skin by using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher (exposure to sunlight is a major cause of skin-related health problems). Wear a hat or use an umbrella for shade.
- If possible, use air conditioners liberally or try to visit air-conditioned places such as senior centers, shopping malls, libraries and theatres.
- Get accustomed to the heat by slowly exposing yourself to it briefly at first and increasing the time little-by-little.
- Avoid hot, heavy meals. Do a minimum of cooking and use an oven only when absolutely necessary. Remember to practice safe food handling during the warmer temperatures. Perishable foods should never be left out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Top Ten Tips on Keeping Seniors Safe in Summer Heat
- Drink plenty of liquids — eight or more 8-ounce glasses per day and or fruit juices — every day to stay hydrated.
- Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
- Dress appropriately. Wear loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics like cotton and dress in light colors that will reflect the sun and heat instead of darker colors that will attract them.
- When outdoors, protect your skin from damage by wearing hats, sunglasses and a sunscreen of 30 SPF or more.
- Stay indoors during extreme heat. Make sure you check in with family or friends everyday if you live by yourself
- If you do not have air conditioning in your apartment, go somewhere that does. A movie theater, the mall, a friend or relative’s home or a community senior center are all good options.
- If you need to get out of the house and don’t drive a car, call a taxi, a friend or a transportation service. Do NOT wait outside for the bus in extreme heat.
- If you are absolutely unable to leave the house and do not have air conditioning, take a cool bath or shower to lower your body temperature on extremely hot days.
- Temperatures inside the home should not exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods of time.
- Know the signs of heat stroke (e.g flushed face, high body temperature, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, dizziness and confusion) and take immediate action if you feel them coming on
“Our goal is to get the word out to warn older adults of the dangers associated with heat and to encourage them to take measures to protect themselves so they can have a safe and enjoyable summer. During periods of extreme heat, I would also urge family members, caregivers and neighbors of older individuals to frequently check on them to make sure their homes are properly ventilated and cooled, and that they have adequate fluids and foods,” said Gloria Lawlah, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Aging.
For further information on hot weather health and safety tips for seniors, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Judy Simon, Maryland Department of Aging, at 410-767-1090, or toll free; 1-800-243-3425.