National Weather Service: Heat blamed for most weather-related deaths

Heat was the number one weather-related cause of death in 2017, the National Weather service says, and it isn’t the first time it has topped the list.

In 2017, 107 people died because of hot temperatures, 103 due to flooding, rip currents caused 70 deaths, 43 people died because of tropical storms or hurricanes and tornados claimed the lives of 35.

Elderly people and children are the most vulnerable populations, but powerful rays of sun radiating heat can be deadly to people of all ages.

In 2016, the City of El Paso Department of Public Health reported four deaths were linked to the heat: three men and one woman. The victims ranging in age from 30s to 80s.

El Paso Fire Department spokesman Enrique Aguilar said medical calls increase during the summer, many of them have to do with heat.

“Heat exhaustion, heatstroke, there’s a lot of those,” Aguilar said. “We’re recommending people to keep themselves hydrated, to keep themselves cool.”

Aguilar said to watch out for the symptoms below:

Excessive sweating Weakness, clammy skin Nausea or vomiting Fainting

A nonprofit is working to offer a reprieve from the heat to those who need it across El Paso.

“We have the Extreme Weather Task Force,” said Aguilar.

If you have a fan to donate, or a blanket for winter months, you can donate wither at any El Paso fire station.

“On the other side, if you need a fan for yourself just dial 211,” Aguilar said. “The Extreme Weather Task Force will deliver (fans) to your home. They can deliver up to three fans to your home and they’re free.”

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