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Severe Weather & Your Health
Extreme weather patterns carry a wide range of implications regarding human populations. In addition to the high potential for injuries and deaths during hurricanes, floods, and other weather-related disasters, it's important to know the additional health risks associated with extreme weather conditions.
A variety of weather situations can have an impact of an outdoor event. Please consult this checklist to see if there are things you need to consider for your event to keep your attendees safe and healthy.
Click here for information on warming/cooling centers.
Sign up for alert notifications for Frederick County at frederickcountymd.gov/Alert, or text AlertFC to 888777 to sign up with your mobile device.
Extreme Heat
As temperatures in Maryland start heating up, make sure to take the necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. While anyone can be a victim of heat-related illness, highest risk groups include people under age of 5 or over age 65, people with chronic illness, people taking certain medications, and those who are exercising or working outdoors. COVID-19 presents many challenges in the summer since places where citizens generally go to cool off, including cooling centers and libraries are likely to remain closed. Finding ways to stay cool and safe, both at home and outside, are more important this summer than ever.
Hot Weather Tips:
Heat-Related Illness
During extremely hot and humid weather, your body’s ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness. Learn the symptoms and what to do if you or a loved one shows signs of having heat-related illness.
Extreme Cold
Extremely cold air comes every almost every winter in Maryland. The arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values. People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes. Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. Hypothermia is another threat during extreme cold. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce.
Cold Weather Tips:
Floods
Floods are the most common natural disasters in the United States. You can take steps to reduce the harm caused by flooding. Learn how to prepare for a flood, stay safe during a flood, and protect your health when you return home after a flood.
Flash Flooding / Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Exposure to Flood Waters
Hurricanes
Hurricanes can cause damage to coastlines, as well as up to several hundred miles in-land. Hurricanes can also produce winds in excess of 155 miles per hour, tornadoes, microbursts, heavy rain, and thunderstorms. Flooding and debris from forceful winds are often the deadly and destructive results of a Hurricane. It is vital to understand your vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind.
Here is your checklist of things to do BEFORE a hurricane:
DURING a hurricane:
AFTER a hurricane:
Electrocution
Carbon Monoxide
Safety of Drinking Water
Mental Health
Clearing Standing Water - Preventing mosquito borne illnesses - Five D’s
Infectious Diseases
More Information about:
Sanitation & Hygiene - Preventing Waterborne Illnesses
Food Safety - Preventing Food Borne Illnesses
Tetanus
Disinfection
Mold
Medications