Yesterday (Jun. 26), the Saint Louis County Medical Examiner has confirmed two heat related deaths in the county during the current heat emergency.
In the first incident, a 75-year-old man was found in his Maplewood home Thursday. The room temperature was 96.4 degrees and a front room air conditioner was apparently not working.
In the second incident, a 62-year-old Hillsdale woman was discovered Thursday after neighbors reported that she had not been seen since Monday. The residence was not equipped with air conditioning.
There have been 41 heat-related illnesses since June 21st.
“It is very important to check in regularly with elderly friends, family members, and neighbors, especially when temperatures rise above 95 degrees,” said Dr. Dolores Gunn, Director of the Health Department. “Air conditioners sometimes break down and alternate arrangements need to be made as soon as possible to prevent outcomes like this week’s tragedies.”
If temperatures exceed 95 degrees, the following appropriate precautions are recommended:
• Spending time in an air-conditioned room or building. Even a few hours each day will reduce the danger of heat related complications.
• Drinking plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages, especially those without sugar or caffeine.
• Being aware that fans only move the air – they don’t cool it. Sitting directly in front of a fan when it is hotter than 95 degrees will actually heat you up.
• Taking a cool shower or bath to bring down your body temperature.
• Seeking immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing heat related symptoms such as nausea, a raised body temperature, or hot, dry skin. If heat stroke is a possibility, call 911immediately. Heat stroke is life threatening!
Saint Louis County is operating three cooling centers during the current heat emergency. The shelters are open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. They are located at:
1) St. Vincent Community Center
7335 St. Charles Rock Road
Saint Louis, MO 63133
2) Queeny Park
550 Weidman Road
Ballwin, MO 63011
3) Kennedy Recreation Complex
6050 Wells Road
Saint Louis, MO 63128
Operation Weather Survival, a public and private collaboration, also manages a network of cooling centers around the region. People needing a cool place to go are urged to visit one. To find a cooling center, call the United Way at 1-800-427-4626.
There were no reported heat deaths in 2008.