In the past month, five people in Maryland have passed away due to hypothermia-related causes.
Maryland’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released a report on Wednesday, citing these incidents as the first fatalities of the winter season. Four of the individuals were men, two of them between 18 and 44 years old and the other two were aged 65 or older.
The last victim was a woman aged 65 years or older. Last year, there were 15 hypothermia-related deaths the entire season.
Other types of winter weather deaths include frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and wounds sustained from heat sources. Officials say the elderly, the homeless population and drug or alcohol users are most susceptible to these injuries.
In the same report, the state urges individuals to properly prepare for winter by making emergency supply kits and wearing warm-enough clothing. They also encourage Marylanders to read their weekly weather reports. Anyone in need of housing or energy assistance should call 211 for help.
