1st Cold-Related Death Reported In Maryland

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- State health officials are reporting the first cold-related death of the season.

According to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, a man aged 45 to 64 died of hypothermia in Kent County with underlying medical conditions.

The death occured at the end of November.

There were 41 hypothermia-related deaths in Maryland during the 2014-15 winter season.

"Although we've recently had unseasonably warm weather, it's important to Marylanders to be aware of the risks of hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses," says Dr. Howard Haft, Health and Mental Hygiene's Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services. "Most at risk are the homeless population, those with substance use disorders, people with underlying health conditions and the elderly."

Officials offers these tips for protecting yourself and your family in extreme cold weather:

• Dress warmly in layers.
• If you are in need of housing or energy assistance to keep warm this winter, call 2-1-1 Maryland to connect to available resources.
• Be alert to other common winter hazards, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and injuries from heat sources. CO is produced by small gasoline engines, stoves, generators, lanterns and gas ranges, or by burning charcoal and wood. This colorless, odorless gas can cause severe illness and death. Heating sources can also cause fires, electrical injuries and burns if not properly installed, operated and maintained.
• Review your family emergency communications plan and emergency supply kits for homes and vehicles. Each family member should know what to do and how to contact others should an emergency arise. The home emergency supply kit should include unexpired food items, medical supplies and batteries. Vehicles should contain items such as heavy blankets, water, nonperishable food, a flashlight and a snow shovel. More information, including a downloadable emergency supply kit checklist, is available at http://preparedness.dhmh.maryland.gov.