MDEM Newsroom - Page 36 MDEM Newsroom
Heat Wave Claims First Victims of the Year
July 2nd, 2012***REVISED: CASE UPDATE***
Precautions urged as temperatures expected to continue this week
BALTIMORE, MD (July 2, 2012) – The recent heat wave has contributed to the first 2012 heat-related deaths in Maryland, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has announced. One Montgomery County male adult (between the ages of 18-65), one Wicomico County male senior (65 years or older) and one Baltimore City male senior have died during this current heat wave. High temperatures are expected to continue this week.
DHMH cautions Maryland citizens that heatstroke and heat exhaustion can develop from the hot and humid conditions typically associated with Maryland summers.
“Extreme heat can be deadly and everyone should know the warning signs of danger,” said DHMH Deputy Secretary Frances Phillips. “With the extreme heat and the lack of power throughout many areas of the state, people need to take advantage of cooling centers.”
Marylanders in need of a cooling center<http://www.mema.state.md.us/newsroom/post/2012/06/30/List-of-Maryland-Cooling-Centers-Maryland.aspx> or assistance can contact their Local Health Department for information by phone or the internet or go to the DHMH Cooling Center link atwww.dhmh.maryland.gov<http://www.dhmh.maryland.gov/>. For tips and reports on heat, click on Extreme Heat<http://dhmh.maryland.gov/extremeheat/SitePages/Home.aspx> under Hot Topics atwww.dhmh.maryland.gov<http://www.dhmh.maryland.gov>.
Heatstroke is a serious illness characterized by a body temperature greater then 105 degrees. Symptoms may include dry red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma. Onset of heatstroke can be rapid: a person can go from feeling apparently well to a seriously ill condition within minutes. Treatment of heatstroke involves the rapid lowering of body temperature, using a cool bath or wet towels. A heatstroke victim should be kept in a cool area; emergency medical care should be obtained by dialing 911.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heatstroke that may develop due to a combination of several days with high temperatures and dehydration in an individual. Signs of heat exhaustion include extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, or headache. Victims may also vomit or faint. Heat exhaustion is treated with plenty of liquids and rest in a cool, shaded area. Those on a low-sodium diet or with other health problems should contact a doctor.
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 mechanism, 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. Contact your local health department to see if there are cooling shelters open in your area;
● NEVER leave pets or young children in a car, even with the windows cracked;
● Check on elderly relatives or neighbors at least daily; and
● Take it easy when outdoors. Athletes and those who work outdoors should take short breaks when feeling fatigued. Schedule physical activity during the morning or evening when it is cooler.
In 2011, there were 34 confirmed heat-related deaths, in 2010, there were 32; in 2009, six heat related deaths; in 2008, 17; and in 2007, 21.
DHMH is making available brochure on protecting yourself in the heat at
http://dhmh.maryland.gov/extremeheat/Documents/AttachmentC-HeatEmergencyBrochure.pdf
Information in Spanish is also available athttp://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/factsheets/itdhpfehe/itdhpfehe_spanish_100-F-08-076.pdf
For more information visit (Including Spanish language websites):
· Maryland Emergency Management Agency:http://www.mema.state.md.us/MEMA/content_page.jsp?TOPICID=othernds
· Federal Emergency Management Agency:http://www.fema.gov/hazard/heat/index.shtm
· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/
· CDC Spanish Translation:http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/es/
· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/
· Additional Spanish Language Resources: http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/factsheets/itdhpfehe/itdhpfehe_spanish_100-F-08-076.pdf;
http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/posters/beat-the-heat_poster_spanish_100-H-07-002.p
Potomac Edison Makes Water and Ice Available to Customers
July 1st, 2012Williamsport, Md. – Potomac Edison customers who lost power as a result of Friday’s severe summer storm can receive one bag of ice and two gallons of water at no charge at any Martin’s food stores in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington counties.
Tips for customers without power:
• Customers who have not yet reported their outage should use the automated outage reporting line – 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877). Customers calling regarding downed lines are urged to follow the prompts or to report the downed lines to their local police or fire departments.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer. A full freezer can keep food frozen for up to three days if it’s kept closed.
• Unplug major appliances until after the power has been restored. Keep one light connected so you will know when the power is back on.
• Burning candles should never be left unattended in a house.
• Gasoline-powered generators should never be operated inside a home or attached garage.
For up-to-date information on the company’s restoration effort, current outages, FirstEnergy’s storm restoration process and tips for staying safe, go to www.firstenergycorp.com
In addition, customers can view timely, accurate and easy-to-use outage information through FirstEnergy’s “24/7 Power Center” maps, accessible on desktops, smart phones and mobile devices atwww.firstenergycorp.com/outages.
During significant service interruptions, outage information is also available via the company’s Twitter accounts. Potomac Edison serves 251,000 customers in 7 Maryland counties. FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies comprise one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems. Its diverse generating fleet features non-emitting nuclear, scrubbed baseload coal, natural gas, and pumped-storage hydro and other renewables, and has a total generating capacity of nearly 23,000 megawatts.
Insurance Commissioner Temporarily Lifts Time Restrictions on Prescription Refills: Residents Reminded to Review Insurance Policies
July 1st, 2012In light of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s emergency declaration following strong wind storms, Insurance Commissioner Therese M. Goldsmith today temporarily lifted insurance restrictions on when Marylanders’ prescription medications can be refilled. Friday’s storm knocked out power to more than 1 million people at its peak and caused damage throughout the state. As of Sunday morning, more than 644,000 homes and businesses remained without electricity.
The Maryland Insurance Administration reminds consumers to review their homeowners or renters insurance policies. If it becomes necessary for you to move out of your home because of the damage it sustained, your costs may be covered under Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Loss of Use (LOU) provisions. With ALE or LOU coverage, your insurance company will reimburse you the costs of additional living arrangements, including meals and other miscellaneous items. You will need to keep the original and submit copies of ALL of your receipts as proof of your claim. Some policies also may cover a portion of the value of food lost if electricity is out for an extended time. Coverage depends on the specific language in your policy. Contact your agent or insurance company for further details.
Some homeowners insurance policies cover up to $500 toward the cost of tree removal. That coverage limit applies to all downed trees on the property, not each tree. That means regardless of whether you have one or 12 trees come down from the storm, you will receive only one payment from your insurance company, usually no more than $500. If a tree falls on your home or other structure, homeowners insurance should cover the cost of removing the tree from the damaged structure.
“While it is important to report claims to your insurance carrier immediately, you should also be aware that most carriers consider your claims history when determining whether to renew your insurance policy,” Commissioner Goldsmith said Sunday. Filing three or more weather-related claims within a three-year period may lead your insurance company to drop your homeowners policy at its next renewal date. “You should review your policy carefully to make certain that you understand coverage limits and what deductible you must pay for your claim.”
For more information, visit the Maryland Insurance Administration’s website,www.MdInsurance.state.md.us, and click on the Hot Topics link to Insurance Preparedness for Natural Disasters.
Harford County Will Open Cooling Centers at Public Libraries on Monday
July 1st, 2012High temperatures and power outages trigger need for cooling centers
(Bel Air, MD) – – With high temperatures and heat index expected to continue into the early part of this week, Harford County Government, in cooperation with Harford County Public Library and the Harford County Health Department are opening cooling centers on Monday, July 2, 2012.
All Harford County Public Libraries will serve as “Cooling Centers” for the public’s use during normal business hours, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Harford County Public Libraries were also used as “Cooling Centers” both Friday and Saturday due to the extreme heat and severe weather conditions.
“The Harford County Public Library under the direction of Mary Hastler is once again partnering with Harford County Government and the Harford County Health Department in providing temporary relief to those without air conditioning during these extremely hot days,” County Executive David R. Craig stated. “We urge our citizens, especially the elderly and those with health conditions to take advantage of our libraries serving as “Cooling Centers” during this challenging time,” the County Executive remarked.
According to the Harford County Health Department, heat illness takes many forms, including heat fatigues, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion or the most serious, heat stroke.
Heat stroke is an advanced form of heat stress that occurs when the body is overwhelmed by heat and unable to control its temperature. A person with a body temperature above 104 degrees is likely suffering from heat stroke and may have symptoms of confusion, combativeness, strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering, possible delirium or coma. Persons with any of these symptoms should receive immediate medical attention, especially older adults.
For additional information regarding heat health issues and preventive measures, visit the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Extreme Heat website http://dhmh.maryland.gov/extremeheat.SitePages/Home.aspx. or the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations atwww.harfordpublicsafety.org.
Prince George’s County Shelter, Pet, Cooling and Oxygen Info
July 1st, 2012The Prince George’s County Animal Shelter is now without power, and residents who have pets that need shelter should call (301) 780-7200 .
These are the three 24-Hour Cooling Centers :
North
Kentland Community Center
2411 Pinebrook Avenue
Landover, MD
Central
Prince George’s Plaza Community Center
6600 Adelphi Road
Hyattsville, MD
South
Accokeek Academy
14400 Berry Road
Accokeek, MD
Residents who require overnight accommodations are encouraged to go to the shelter at Northwestern High School, 7000 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD.
In addition, residents who are in need of recharging their medical oxygen devices should go to one of the cooling centers, fire stations or the Northwestern High School shelter to charge their equipment.
Allegany County: Cooling, Ice and Sheltering Information
July 1st, 2012Allegany County Fairgrounds Multi-purpose Building in Bowling Green is being advertised as a cooling center but is prepared for 24 hour sheltering. County is going to advertise that they can transport citizens to shelters if necessary and will issue a press release. As of 1700 hours the shelter is open and recieving clients.
Local Wal-Mart donated 400 lbs of ice which will be distributed through a volunteer fire department in one of the most affected areas.
Washington and Garrett County: Cooling Centers
July 1st, 2012EMA knows of no “official” cooling shelters open but it has been advertised that public buildings and businesses (open normally on Sundays) can be used for cooling. They would open centers if the need arises.
Garrett has 3 sites (besides normally open public bldgs and businesses):
- Friendsville Fire Dept
- Deer Park Fire Dept
- Southern Rescue Squad.
Harford County: Cooling Centers
July 1st, 2012In Harford County, two fire houses – Bel Air Fire Sation and Aberdeen Fire Station – have been identified as cooling centers.
Dry Ice Distributors (NOT for free)
July 1st, 2012This is NOT for free dry ice, but here is a list of dry ice distributors as perMaryland Department of General Services:
Capitol Carbonic Corp. – Will open at 10:00 am and will sell what they have to the public.
404 South Caton Ave.
Baltimore MD
410-566-0853.
(Vendor is without power and will be able to make more dry ice when power is up.)
Continental Carbonic Products – Expect to have dry ice available this evening.
150 Penrod Court, Suite J
Glen Burnie MD 21061
410-761-7701
Dry Ice Corp. – Expect to have dry ice available tomorrow.
1601 DeSoto Road
Baltimore MD 21230
410-644-7800
AAA Dry Ice – No dry ice and without power.
6100 Belair Road
Baltimore MD 21206
410-426-1204
Allegany County: Shelter and Cooling Center Update
July 1st, 2012The Allegany County Fairgrounds will be manned & open overnight; there are shelterer’s
currently onsite due to lack of power. Committee will reassess need for
shelter services after breakfast tomorrow.
Per Red Cross, there is a truck with bottled water enroute to Orleans VFD.
Water will be available for that community’s residents. The truck will
then deliver rest of load to shelter site. The truck is also carrying
shelter cots. ETA to Orleans is approx 45min.
Also expecting a tractor-trailer load of water to be delivered to the
Lavale Walmart. ETA unknown at this time but monitoring situation.