Heat-related deaths are preventable
The Imperial County Public Health Department reported a child in the nation dies from heatstroke every 10 days from being left alone in a hot vehicle. In fact, heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle fatality for children ages 14 and younger.
That’s a staggering fact considering that statistic is 100 percent preventable.
Fortunately in the Imperial Valley it appears the local efforts from our local organizations are working this year so far.
The county Coroner’s Department confirmed there have been no heat-related deaths in the Valley so far this summer for any age group.
According to the county Public Health Department, which tracks heat-related deaths, last year there was four, 10 in 2015, two in 2014 and three in 2013.
In the past 10 years, there have been a total of 62 deaths.
The age median is from about 18 to 93 and 74 percent of those are males while 27 percent die in the desert.
So the average is about six per season.
What’s important to remember is that heat-related deaths are preventable.
The Public Health Department stated the common mistakes people make are not drinking enough water because they don’t feel thirsty, not recognizing that Caron’s medical conditions and certain medications increase the risk of heat-related illness and assuming residents can acclimate to the high temperatures.
Here are a few tips to help stay safe in the heat:
Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, drink fluids especially water, check on neighbors especially seniors and children, keep physical activities to a minimum during the hottest part of the day, stay indoors and out of the sun as much as possible, use fans when appropriate, use cool showers and about hot foods and heavy meals.
People who are most vulnerable for heat-related illness are infants and young children, seniors over 65 years old, people who are overweight, people who work outside and people who are physically ill including chronic medical conditions.
Just because we live in the Imperial Valley and have had years of high temperatures doesn’t mean our body is used to it. Take care of yourself and each other.
For more information including a list of cool centers go to www.icphd. org