Phoenix (3TV/CBS 5) — The Maricopa County Department of Public Health announced that the county has tied an all-time record for annual heatstroke deaths.
The number of deaths due to heat stroke in the county is rapidly increasing every year as the population increases, and the annual total exceeds previous records. The number of confirmed heat-related deaths this week was 425, matching the 2022 figure. An additional 199 people are still under investigation, meaning the county will once again set a new record. The largest proportion of deaths continued to affect people aged 50 to 64.
“These deaths are preventable, even in extreme heat like we’ve seen this summer,” said Dr. Rebecca Sunenschein, the department’s medical director. “This tragic record is a reminder that, as a community, we need to do more to prevent these deaths.” “There is a possibility that heatstroke and death will continue until November, so we need to continue to take precautions against the heat even later in the season and check on our neighbors.”
Earlier this week, an Arizona family reported that one of the people who died of heatstroke during September’s dangerous heatwave was a Feed Phoenix volunteer.
What heat precautions should I take in the Valley?
- Limit outdoor activities to the coolest times of the day
- If you spend a lot of time outdoors, move indoors to an air-conditioned area frequently.
- Don’t rely on fans as your primary source of cooling, especially when outdoor temperatures are above 95 degrees.
- Drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and light clothing when outdoors.
- Never leave children, the elderly, pets, or anyone else who depends on you in a parked vehicle.
- Check on your friends and neighbors, especially the elderly, to make sure their air conditioning and cooling systems are working and they have enough water and supplies.
Was there a spelling or grammatical error in your story? Click here to report.
Have a breaking news photo or video? Submit that’s for us here Comes with a simple explanation.
Copyright 2023 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.
