2020 – Excessive heat from natural sources; esp. AZ/522, CA/137, Clark Co., NV/124–1,184

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 2-8-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–1,184  Blanchard tally based on compilation from State breakouts below.

–1,156  Davis. “Heat-Related Deaths up 56% Between 2018 and 2021, Provisional Data Shows.”*

–1,156  Hurt (NPR). “This CDC data shows where rates of heat-related illness are highest.” 7-26-2023.

–1,153  CDC. QuickStats: Deaths Involving Exposure to Excessive Heat…[U.S.], 1999-2020.**

–1,142  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67.

              MCD- ICD-10 Codes:          T67.0 (Heatstroke and sunstroke);

                                                            T67.1 (Heat syncope);

These are contributing                        T67.2 (Heat cramp);

causes of death.                      T67.3 (Heat exhaustion, anhydrotic); [sweat suppression]

T67.4 (Heat exhaustion due to salt depletion);

T67.5 (Heat exhaustion, unspecified);

T67.6 (Heat fatigue, transient);

T67.7 (Heat oedema);

T67.8 (Other effects of heat and light);

T67.9 (Effect of heat and light, unspecified)

–1,088  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

–1,074  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, T67 and X30.

—   672  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 2018, Single Race Results, UCD ICD-10 X30

            X-30 is code used to denote natural heat exposure as “underlying cause of death.”[1]

—   667  CDC WONDER. MCD – ICD-10 codesT67.0-T67,9 and UCD – ICD-10 Code X30.**

 

*Davis article in Valuepenguin.com notes in table: “Heat-related deaths (by the year)” that there were 1,156 deaths in 2020 and notes this is based on a “ValuePenguin analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Provisional Mortality Statistics data.”

 

**CDC note: “Deaths attributed to exposure to excessive natural heat as the underlying or contributing cause of death were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes P81.0 (environmental hyperthermia of newborn), T67 (effects of heat and light), and X30 (exposure to excessive natural heat, i.e., hyperthermia), for a total of 15,707 deaths during 1999–2020. Deaths with underlying cause W92 (exposure to excessive heat of man-made origin, such as malfunctioning heating appliances) were excluded. During 1999–2020, the annual number of deaths from excessive natural heat ranged from a low of 297 in 2004 to a high of 1,153 in 2020.” Source: National Vital Statistics System, multiple cause of death data, 1999–2020. https://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd.html

 

Note on CDC WONDER T67 numbers: The State breakout numbers below which note CDC WONDER as the source do not add to the total provided (1,142) in that deaths between 1 and 9 “are Suppressed when the data meet the criteria for confidentiality constraints.”

 

State Summary on page 2

 

 

Summary of State Breakouts (below):

 

                                                0.3 (US death rate per 100K population)    Primary Source

 

Alabama                       17      “Unreliable” (numerator of 20 or less)           CDC WONDER T67.

Arizona                      522      5.1 (CDC WONDER T67                               AZ DHS

Arkansas                      13      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER T67.

California                   137      0.3                                                                   CDC WONDER T67.

Colorado                      11      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER T67

District of Columbia     1                                                                              OSHA

Florida                          26      0.12                                                                 CDC WONDER T67

Georgia                        16      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER T67

Idaho                              1                                                                              Idaho Statesman

Illinois                           12      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER. T67

Indiana                         12      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER. T67

Kentucky                     10                                                                              Null. NoHeatstroke.

Louisiana                    13      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER. T67

Maryland                     11      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER. T67

Michigan                      13      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER. T67

Missouri                       11      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER. T67

Nevada                       124      Clark County alone (State 3.2 CDC)              Clark County Coroner

New Mexico                 12      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER. T67

New York                     15      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER. T67

North Carolina            17      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER. T67

Ohio                              18      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER. T67

Oklahoma                   14      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER. T67

Oregon                          1                                                                              OSHA

Pennsylvania                22      0.2                                                                   CDC WONDER. T67

South Carolina            13      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER. T67

Tennessee                     12      “Unreliable”                                                    CDC WONDER. T67

Texas                            85      0.3                                                                   CDC WONDER. T67

Virginia                        11      “Unreliable                                                      CDC WONDER. T67

Washington                    7                                                                              King5.com. Seattle.

Wisconsin                       7

                                 1,184                 

 

Excessive heat from natural sources deaths, 2020, by State:

 

Alabama                     17

–17  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67.

—  1  Hodges, Franklin County, Aug 9. Boy, 3, in vehicle, hot day.[2] Null. NoHeaststroke.org

—  2  Montevallo, Aug 15. Boys, 3 and 1, in vehicle, hot day.[3]         Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

 

Arizona                      522

–522  AZ Dept. of Health Services. “Heat-Caused & Heat-Related Deaths in [AZ] by year…”

            313 heat-caused, wherein primary cause of death is listed as excessive natural heat.

            209 heat-related, wherein excessive  natural heat is listed anywhere else on death record.

                        —    0  Apache County

—    8  Cochise County

—    6  Coconino County

—    *  Gila County  (*means 1-6)

—    *  Graham County

—    0  Greenlee County

—    *  La Paz County

–322  Maricopa County

—  51  Mohave County

—    *  Navajo County

—  50  Pima County

—  27  Pinal County

—    7  Santa Cruz County

—    *  Yavapai County

—  37  Yuma County

–520  National Weather Service, NOAA. “Weather-Related Deaths in Arizona (2010-2020).”[4]

–494  Arizona Republic, Phoenix. “Heat killed a record number of people in [AZ] last year…” 1-31-2021.

–377  CDC WONDER, Multiple Cause of Death 2018-2021, Provisional. Codes 76.0-76.9.

–367  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

–210  CDC WONDER, National Center for Health Statistics Online Database ICD-10 code X30.

Maricopa County

—  323  3TV/CBS 5. “Maricopa County reports first heat-related death of 2021.” 6-1-2021.

–>308  Maricopa County. Arizona Republic. “Heat killed record number…” 1-31-2021.[5]

            –1  Phoenix, Aug 30. Girl, 3 years, in vehicle, 101⁰ outside temp.[6] Null. NoHeaststroke.org

 

Arkansas                      13

–13  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67.

—  1  Booneville, July 20. Girl, 3, in vehicle, hot day.                       Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

 

California                   137

–137  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67.

–134  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

—    1  Fullerton, July 8. Boy, 22 months, in vehicle, hot day.           Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

—    1  Laguna Hills, July 31. Heatstroke; new landscaping employee. OSHA.

—    3  Los Angeles County, Sep 6.[7]

–1  Heat exposure; homeless man, Holland Harman, 60.

–1  Cardiovascular disease, heat exposure a contributing factor. Unnamed person, 77.

–1  Hyperthermia; unidentified woman.

—    1  Selma, June 25. Heat stroke; peach picking worker.               OSHA.

 

Colorado                     11

–11  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

–10  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67.

—  1  Englewood, Aug 20. Apparent heatstroke; construction worker setting rebar. OSHA.

 

District of Columbia     1

–1  July 22. Heat exposure; U.S. Postal Service employee delivering mail. OSHA.

 

Florida                         48

–48  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67.

–44  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

—  1  Clewiston, May 28. Girl, 10 months, in vehicle, hot day.         Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

—  1  Panama City, Sep 2. Girl, infant, in vehicle, hot day.               Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

—  1  Pine Hills, Sep 11. Boy, 1 yr., in vehicle, hot day.                    Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

—  1  Wimauma, July 9. Heat exhaustion leads to death; landscaping employee. OSHA.

 

Georgia                        22

–22  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67.

–20  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

 

Idaho                              1

–1  Mount Heinen, Boise Co., June 5. Nampa woman hiking; overheated, collapsed, died, 95⁰.[8]

 

Illinois                           12

–12  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67.

–12  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search

 

Indiana                         12

–12  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67.

–11  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

 

Kentucky                    10

–10  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search

—  1  Hopkinsville, July 11. Girl, 3, in vehicle, hot day.[9]                  Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

 

Louisiana                     14

–14  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67 search.

–14  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

—  2  Beauregard Parish.

            –1  Heat-related illness, male,         36. (LDH. Update…hurricane-related deaths. 9-3-2020.)

            –1  Heat related illness, female, 80-89. (LDH. Update…hurricane-related deaths. 9-3-2020.)

—  1  Central LA. Early Sep. High heat in mobile home without AC; woman, 58.[10]

—  1  Garyville, Aug 14. Heat stroke; construction working outdoors moving a scaffold. OSHA.

—  1  Grant Parish. Heat-related illness while removing storm debris; male, 52. (LDH. 9-5-2020.)

—  1  Lafayette Parish, Sep 27. Boy, 2 years, in vehicle, hot day.      Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

—  2  Vernon Parish, early Sep. Heat-related illness; men in 40s while clearing debris from Laura.[11]

 

Maryland                     30

–30  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67 search.

–26  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

—  1  Baltimore, July 27 report. Heat-related death; male, 30s. MD Dept. of Health. 7-27-2020.

—  1  Montgomery County, July 27. Heat-related death; man, 65 or older.” Newsbreak.

 

Michigan                      13

–13  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67 search.

–13  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

 

Missouri                       11

–11  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67 search.

–10  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

—  1  Bridgeton, July 7. Heat-related illness; solid waste collection employee. OSHA.

 

Nevada                       124 (Clark County alone)

–124  Clark County. 8NewsNow, Las Vegas. “Clark County Coroner…” 7-8-2021.[12]

–1  Las Vegas, Oct 5. Girl, 22 months, in vehicle, hot day. Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

–100  State. CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67.

—  99   “CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

 

New Mexico                 12

–12  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67 search.

–12  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

 

New York                    15

–15  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67 search.

–13  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

—  1  Geneseo, July 7. Exposure to high outdoor heat (90s); construction worker.               OSHA.

 

North Carolina           17

–17  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67 search.

–15  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

—  1  Clinton, Sampson County, July 18. Excess heat exposure; farm labor worker.            OSHA.

—  1  Ellerbe, Richmond Co., June 18. Boy, 22 mo., in vehicle, hot day.[13] Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

—  1  Wake Forest, July 27. Excess heat exposure; tobacco harvesting employee.               OSHA.

 

Ohio                            18

–18  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67 search.

–14  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

 

Oklahoma                  14

–14  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67 search.

–14  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

—  1  Edmond, Aug 17. Girl, 3, in vehicle, hot day.[14]                        Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

—  1  Newcastle, July 9. Heat stroke; utility construction worker during high heat alert.      OSHA.

—  1  Oklahoma City, July 4. Girl, 17 months, in vehicle, hot day.   Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

—  2  Tulsa, June 13. Boy, 3 and girl, 4, in vehicle, hot day.[15]          Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

—  1  Vian, Sep 4. Suspected heatstroke. Employee breaking concrete; became disoriented.[16]

 

Oregon                          1

–1  Milwaukie, July 20. Heat injury; construction worker.               OSHA.

 

Pennsylvania              22

–22  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67 search.

–19  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

 

South Carolina          13

–13  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67 search.

–13  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

 

Tennessee                   12

–12  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67 search.

–12  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

 

Texas                          85

–85  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67 search.

–77  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

—  1  Farmers Branch, July 15. Heat-related illness; employee clearing creek bed. OSHA.

—  2  Farmers Branch, July 22. Girls, 2 and 4, in vehicle, hot day.[17]             Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

—  1  Hudson Oaks, July 9. Heat stroke; roofing company employee working on a roof. OSHA.

—  1  Katy, Aug 6. Heat injury; bricklayer employee mixing mortar. OSHA.

—  1  Lytle, Aug 18. Possible heatstroke; employee working from a scaffold. OSHA.

—  1  Plano, Aug 13. Heat stroke; construction foreman, high temperatures. OSHA.

—  1  Tomball, April 25. Heat stroke; child, 4, climbs into a vehicle without family noticing.[18]

—  1  Vidor, Aug 15. Boy, 3, in vehicle, hot day.                               Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

—  1  Wichita Falls, July 18. Boy, 4, in vehicle, hot day.[19]                Null. NoHeaststroke.org

 

Virginia                      11

–11  CDC WONDER Online Database. Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, T-67 search.

–10  CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results for 2020, Just X30 search.

—  1  Chesapeake, July 28. Girl, 8 months, in vehicle, hot day.         Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

—  1  Hampton, Sep 3. Heat stroke; outdoors site cleanup worker.    OSHA.

—  1  Springfield, June 26. Girl, 11 months, in vehicle, hot day.       Null. NoHeaststroke.org.

 

Washington                   7

–7  King5.com. “91 people have died in Washington from recent heat wave…” 7-13-2021.

 

Wisconsin                      7

–7  WEAU 13 News, Eau Claire. “Hot weather increases risk of heat-related…[WI].” 6-3-2021.[20]

 

Narrative Information

 

On Heat (General)

 

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) on Heat-Related Deaths (11-21-2023):

 

“When people are exposed to extreme heat, they can suffer from potentially deadly illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Hot temperatures can also contribute to deaths from heart attacks, strokes, and other forms of cardiovascular disease. Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States, even though most heat-related deaths are preventable through outreach and intervention (see EPA’s Excessive Heat Events Guidebook at: www.epa.gov/heat-islands/excessive-heat-events-guidebook).

 

Unusually hot summer temperatures have become more common across the contiguous 48 states in recent decades…extreme heat events (heat waves) have become more frequent and intense… and these trends are expected to continue. As a result, the risk of heat-related deaths and illness is also expected to increase.[21] The “urban heat island” effect accentuates the problem by causing even higher temperatures in densely developed urban areas. Reductions in cold-related deaths are projected to be smaller than increases in heat-related deaths in most regions. Death rates can also change, however, as people acclimate to higher temperatures and as communities strengthen their heat response plans and take other steps to continue to adapt.

 

“Certain population groups already face higher risks of heat-related death, and increases in summertime temperature variability will increase that risk. The population of adults aged 65 and older, which is expected to continue to grow, has a higher-than-average risk of heat-related death. Children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and death, as their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than adults, and they must rely on others to help keep them safe. People with certain diseases, such as cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, are especially vulnerable to excessive heat exposure, as are the economically disadvantaged. Data also suggest a higher risk among non-Hispanic Blacks.”

 

Trent, CA Dept. of Health Services on Heat-Related (HR) Illness: “HR illness is described according to three stages of increasing severity:

 

  1. Heat cramps. Mild and easy to treat, this level involves fevers generally under 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Heat exhaustion: Involves fevers over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, often with vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.
  3. Heat stroke: A severe and life-threatening failure of body’s ability to cool (e.g., sweating ceases), with fevers over 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat stroke can result in organ and neurologic damage and lead quickly to death.” (p. 3)

 

Exertional heat stroke tends to occur among younger (under 50 years old), healthier persons who develop heat stroke after strenuous activity and inadequate hydration. The result is dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Exposures may involve work or recreational activities outdoors.

 

Classic heat stroke tends to occur among persons who are older (over 50 years old), frail, and with chronic diseases. They may take medications, have psychological or cognitive problems, and live alone. They are assumed to have a compromised thermoregulatory response due to their age, illnesses, and medications. They generally are not in an air conditioned space when discovered with heat stroke symptoms or deceased.” (p. 5)

 

(Trent, Roger B., Ph.D. (CA Dept. of Health Services). Review of July 2006 Heat Wave Related Fatalities in California. Sacramento, CA: Epidemiology and Prevention for Injury Control Branch, California Department of Health Services, May 2007.)

 

Arizona

 

Jan 31, 2021, Arizona Republic: “The number of heat-related deaths in Arizona soared to a new high last year as people endured the hottest summer on record and the complications of the pandemic. The deaths of at least 494 people were linked to heat during 2020, state health officials said this week, a preliminary number that may continue to grow as more deaths under investigation are resolved.

 

“More than 300 heat-associated deaths have been confirmed in Maricopa County, a number that could also climb.

 

“The statewide toll far surpassed the previous record of 283 heat-related deaths reported in 2019. Over the past five years, state figures show, heat has been linked to more than 1,500 deaths in Arizona.

 

“With climate change pushing temperatures higher, experts say the growing number of lives lost underlines an urgent need to scale up efforts to protect those who are most vulnerable and mobilize government resources at the local and federal levels to mitigate this chronic hazard.

 

“ ‘The number of people who have died from heat in Arizona over the past year is a staggering increase over previous years,’ said David Hondula, an Arizona State University scientist who studies heat and health. ‘We believe that every one of those deaths is preventable.’

 

“A majority of victims suffer from deadly heat exposure outdoors, while others die indoors. People who are especially vulnerable include older residents, those living unsheltered on the streets, outdoor workers and people who live in mobile homes or without functioning air conditioning.  

 

“In Arizona and across the country, more people died from extreme temperatures than from all other weather-related hazards….

 

“Last summer, during Phoenix’s hottest summer on record, the city broke records for the most days with temperatures of 100 degrees or hotter (145 days) and the most days that hit 110 or hotter (53 days)….

 

“More than half the victims in the county were homeless and living on the streets. According to the county health department, 59% of the deaths last year were people experiencing homelessness, an increase from 33% the previous year.

 

“Public health officials and researchers are starting to examine the mix of factors that contributed to the rise in deaths. Some of the ways the coronavirus crisis may have affected heat deaths remain unclear. But during the pandemic, many fewer cooling centers were operating. In 2019, a total of 106 cooling centers were open during the summer in Maricopa County, Hondula said. Last year, the number of cooling centers with their doors open shrank to 19….Trends toward depression, addiction to drugs and alcohol, and social isolation are all considered to be factors that can increase risks of heat-related illness and death, Hondula said. Then there are also the economic effects of the pandemic, including loss of income, which has made it tougher for some to afford rent or air conditioning, Hondula said….

 

“Patricia Solís, a researcher who leads ASU’s [AZ State Univ.] Knowledge Exchange for Resilience, has studied factors that put some people at higher risk. Using county data prior to last year, she and her colleagues found that people who live in mobile home parks are disproportionately likely to die, accounting for 40% of indoor heat-related deaths in 2019. County data from before the pandemic also shows that Black and Native American Arizonans have disproportionately been among the victims, Solís said. Many people living in poorly insulated mobile homes tend to be older and may live alone, which can put them at greater risk. They tend to have lower incomes, and some struggle to pay for the extra air-conditioning to keep cool. ‘All of those things, they do have some correlation with income, because if you cannot pay your AC, you will not be using it,’ Solís said. She and her colleagues have found ‘there are people who just did not turn on their AC because they knew that they couldn’t afford it. And that to us is just unacceptable.’

 

“Examining heat-related deaths that occurred indoors, Solís found that in 16% of those deaths, officials determined the victims had no air conditioning. And of those who did have air conditioning, it wasn’t working in 60% of cases. She said more assistance is needed to help people in such situations, and gaps between programs need to be filled. ‘Part of that gap happens because they’re not eligible for many of our solutions that we have,” Solís said. “They’re not eligible for LIHEAP because they are in structures that are on wheels and they’re not considered homes according to the federal guidelines.’…. she said, setting up a heat alert system in the home of someone who lives alone could help relatives keep tabs on the safety of loved ones on the other side of town….

 

“During the pandemic, shopping malls and other public places where people might go to cool down weren’t an option in many areas for much of the summer….

 

“[Solis] ‘I don’t believe that there’s ever been a disaster in the United States declared for heat waves or extreme heat. We normally see that as something that just happens and we have to adjust to,’ Solís said. ‘But if there was every year a hurricane coming through in which 200 people perished, we would call that a disaster, and we might declare a disaster.’….”

 

June 1, 2021, 3TV/CBS 5 (Jeff Popovich): “Maricopa County, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — County officials have reported the first heat-related death of 2021. A spokesperson for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health [MCDPH]confirmed Tuesday morning that a man died but did not release the man’s name or say in what city….

 

“The MCDPH also recently released a 2020 heat report, showing a record high of 323 heat-related deaths in 2020. This is 62% higher than in 2019 and the highest number recorded since heat surveillance began in 2001…..”

Source

 

3TV/CBS 5 (Jeff Popovich). “Maricopa County reports first heat-related death of 2021.” 6-1-2021. Accessed 7-6-2021 at: https://www.azfamily.com/news/maricopa-county-reports-first-heat-related-death-of-2021/article_53d8a186-c2fb-11eb-a15c-cfb24bceae29.html

 

8NewsNow, Las Vegas. “Clark County Coroner: 12 people have suffered heat-related deaths this year.” 7-8-2021. Accessed 7-13-2021 at: https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/clark-county-coroner-shares-tips-to-avoid-heat-related-death-as-temperatures-soar/

 

Arizona Department of Health Services. Heat-Caused & Heat-Related Deaths in Arizona by year (2011-2021). Accessed 2-6-2024 at: https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/extreme-weather/pubs/heat-related-mortality-year.pdf

 

Arizona Republic (Ian James), Phoenix. “Heat killed a record number of people in Arizona last year, ‘a staggering increase’.” 1-31-2021. Accessed 7-3-2021 at: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2021/01/31/heat-killed-record-number-people-arizona-last-year/4294654001/

 

Arizona Republic (Michael Donohue). “Phoenix temperatures break another heat record, marking 4 consecutive days above 115.” 6-18-2021. Accessed 7-13-2021 at: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-weather/2021/06/18/heat-records-broken-phoenix-hits-117/7749633002/

 

Associated Press. “Heat Death is 27th Attributed to Laura in Louisiana.” U.S. News & World Report, 9-9-2020. Accessed 7-14-2021 at: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/louisiana/articles/2020-09-09/heat-death-is-27th-attributed-to-laura-in-louisiana

 

Birmingham Real-Time News. “Young brothers who died in hot car in Shelby County now identified.” 8-19-2020. Accessed 7-13-2021 at: https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2020/08/young-brothers-who-died-in-hot-car-in-shelby-county-now-identified.html

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “QuickStats: Deaths Involving Exposure to Excessive Heat, by Sex – National Vital Statistics System, United States, 1999-2020.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), Vol. 71, No. 34, p. 1097, 8-26-2022. Accessed 2-6-2024 at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7134a5.htm

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Heat-Related Deaths – United States, 1999-2003.” MMWR Weekly (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), Vol. 55, No. 29, 7-28-2006, pp. 796-798. Accessed 2-8-2024 at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5529a2.htm

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistic, National Vital Statistics System, Mortality 2018-2021 on CDC WONDER. MCD – ICD-10 codesT67.0-T67,9 and UCD – ICD-10 Code X30, Multiple Cause of Death Files, 2018-2021. Accessed 2-6-2024 at: https://wonder.cdc.gov/controller/datarequest/D157;jsessionid=8FB75428B695C926D24159D71EDD

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Mortality 1999-2020 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2021 [search for T67.0-T67.9]. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd-icd10.html on Feb 6, 2024.

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Mortality 1999-2020 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2021. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd-icd10.html on Feb 8, 2024 2:24:56 PM

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Mortality 1999-2020 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2021 [search for T67 and X30]. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd-icd10.html on Feb 8, 2024.

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Mortality 2018-2021 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2023. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 2018-2021, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd-icd10-expanded.html on Feb 6, 2024 8:41:51 PM

 

Daily Journal, Rockingham, NC. “Sheriff: Toddled died after being left in a car while at unlicensed day care.” 6-19-2020. Accessed 7-14-2021 at: https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/news/94930/sheriff-toddler-died-after-being-left-in-a-car-while-at-unlicensed-day-care

 

Davis, Maggie. “Heat-Related Deaths up 56% Between 2018 and 2021, Provisional Data Shows.” ValuePenguin Health Insurance (a free source for information and tools to help make consumer spending decisions). 6-6-2022. Accessed 2-5-2024 at: https://www.valuepenguin.com/heat-related-deaths-study

 

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Climate Change Indicators: Heat-Related Deaths (webpage). 11-1-2023. Accessed 2-7-2024 at: https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-heat-related-deaths#ref6

 

FOX8. “NC child dies after being left in hot car.” 6-19-2020. Accessed 7-14-2021 at: https://myfox8.com/news/nc-child-dies-after-being-left-in-hot-car-2/

 

Franklin County Times, AL. “FCSO nabs couple for manslaughter.” 8-13-2020. Accessed 7-13-2021 at: https://franklincountytimes.com/2020/08/13/fcso-nabs-couple-for-manslaughter/

 

Huang, Pien, Alyson Hurt and Carmel Wroth. “This CDC data shows where rates of heat-related illness are highest.” 7-26-2023. Accessed 2-5-2024 at: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/07/26/1190085775/this-cdc-data-shows-where-rates-of-heat-related-illness-are-highest

 

Idaho Statesman. “Idaho woman died of heat stroke while hiking near Arrowrock Reservoir.” 6-11-2020. Accessed 7-14-2020 at: https://magicvalley.com/outdoors/idaho-woman-died-of-heat-stroke-while-hiking-near-arrowrock-reservoir/article_466c812f-eece-5867-a71a-64520d917da5.html

 

in Forney. “Forney mother and children likely  perished as result of overdose.” 7-26-2020. Accessed 7-14-2021 at: https://www.inforney.com/crime/forney-mother-and-children-likely-perished-as-result-of-overdose/article_592c4ecc-cf6c-11ea-a1cf-1b885d4996ce.html

 

Indiana Gazette, PA (Patrick Cloonan). “Prolonged heat wave arrives locally.” July 6, 2020. Accessed 7-14-2021 at: https://www.indianagazette.com/news/prolonged-heat-wave-arrives-locally/article_18b6ac66-be50-11ea-939a-afcb7b1f9e19.html

 

KCRW, Greater LA. “LA’s heat wave is deadly for the county’s unhoused population.” 9-16-2020. Accessed 7-13-2021 at: https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/greater-la/wildfires-air-quality-deaths/heat-wave-la-unhoused

 

King5.com. “91 people have died in Washington from recent heat wave, health department says.” 7-13-2021. Accessed 7-14-2021 at: https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/health-department-78-people-died-washington-heat-wave/281-b7e3ec97-2158-4172-99f8-f65df7208832

 

KWTX. “Texas boy, 4, dies after wandering outside, climbing into car on 95-degree day.” 7-20-2020. Accessed 7-14-2021 at: https://www.kwtx.com/2020/07/20/texas-boy-4-dies-after-wandering-outside-climbing-into-car-on-95-degree-day/

 

Los Angeles Times. “3 deaths in LA County linked to Labor Day weekend heat wave.” 9-15-2020. Accessed 7-13-2021 at: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-09-15/three-deaths-linked-to-labor-day-weekend-heat-wave-in-los-angeles-county

 

Louisiana Department of Health. “Louisiana Department of Health verifies one additional hurricane-related death, bringing toll to 27.” 9-9-2020. Accessed 9-10-2020 at: https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/5761

 

Louisville Courier Journal (Sarah Ladd), KY. “Kentucky toddler dies in hot car, brings national child hot car deaths to nine this year.” 7-14-2020. Accessed 7-14-2021 at: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2020/07/14/3-year-old-kentucky-toddler-dies-hot-car-hopkinsville/5439927002/

 

Marland Department of Health. “Maryland Department of Health announces first reported heat-related death of 2020.” 7-27-2020. Accessed 7-14-2021 at: https://health.maryland.gov/newsroom/Pages/Maryland-Department-of-Health-announces-first-reported-heat-related-death-of-2020.aspx

 

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NBC News. “2 more in Louisiana die from heat-related illness after Hurricane Laura, bringing death toll to 27.” 9-4-2020. Accessed 7-14-2021 at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/2-more-louisiana-die-heat-related-illness-after-hurricane-laura-n1239390

 

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The Oklahoman (Josh Dulaney), Oklahoma City. “Child deaths in hot cars: Oklahoma among worst in nation.” 8-23-2020. Accessed 7-14-2021 at: https://www.oklahoman.com/article/5669816/child-deaths-in-hot-cars-oklahoma-among-worst-in-nation

 

Trent, Roger B., Ph.D. (CA Dept. of Health Services). Review of July 2006 Heat Wave Related Fatalities in California. Sacramento, CA: Epidemiology and Prevention for Injury Control Branch, California Department of Health Services, May 2007. Accessed 8-31-2015 at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/injviosaf/Documents/HeatPlanAssessment-EPIC.pdf

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https://www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/news-release/fatalworkinjuries_ohio.htm

 

USA Today. “Oklahoma girl, 3, dies after being left for hours in hot car, police say. It’s the 19th case of child vehicular heatstroke in 2020.” 8-18-2020. Accessed 7-14-2021 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/18/hot-car-deaths-oklahoma-girl-vehicular-heatstroke-2020/3395194001/

 

WEAU 13 News (Jimmie Kaska), Eau Claire. “Hot weather increases risk of heat-related health issues across Wisconsin.” 6-3-2021. Accessed 7-14-2021 at: https://www.weau.com/2021/06/03/hot-weather-increases-risk-of-heat-related-health-issues-across-wisconsin/

 

 

 

[1] CDC. “Heat-Related Deaths – United States, 1999-2003.” MMWR Weekly, Vol. 55, No. 29, 7-28-2006, p796-798.

[2] The parents, Dakota Heath Fowler, 20, and Brandi Michelle Burks, 21, were later arrested on manslaughter charges. They told police they got home and put the child to bed about midnight the night before, and that when they woke up around 3 pm the next day they could not find him. The child was found in their car. (Franklin County Times, AL. “FCSO nabs couple for manslaughter.” 8-13-2020.)

[3] The brothers, Daniel Garcia, 3, and Ivan Salazar Jr., 1, “climbed into a hot car and got locked inside.” Coroner ruled Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke. (Birmingham Real-Time News. “Young brothers who died in hot car in Shelby County now identified.” 8-19-2020.)

[4] Cited by: 3TV/CBS 5 (Jeff Popovich). “Maricopa County reports first heat-related death of 2021.” 6-1-2021.

[5] Cites Maricopa County Public Health, “who are still working on an annual report on heat-associated deaths… that were either caused by or related to heat, and 25 other deaths that are still under investigation.”

[6] The girl got into her mother’s car in a parking lot by herself and died. (Arizona Republic. “Phoenix temperatures break another heat record, marking 4 consecutive days above 115.” 6-18-2021.)

[7] KCRW, Greater LA. “LA’s heat wave is deadly for the county’s unhoused population.” 9-16-2020. Cites LA Medical Examiner-Coroner Office. Notes a record temperature of 121 degrees reached in Woodland Hills.

[8] Idaho Statesman. “Idaho woman died of heat stroke while hiking near Arrowrock Reservoir.” 6-11-2020. Victim identified as Kerri Van de Wetering, 52, who was hiking with friends.

[9] The toddler apparently had gotten into parents car and could not get out. (Louisville Courier Journal, KY. “Kentucky toddler dies in hot car, brings national child hot car deaths to nine this year.” 7-14-2020.)

[10] Associated Press. “Heat Death is 27th Attributed to Laura in Louisiana.” U.S. News & World Report, 9-9-2020.

[11] NBC News. “2 more in [LA] die from heat-related illness after Hurricane…bringing death toll to 27.” 9-4-2020.

[12] Cites Clark County Coroner Melanie Rouse for the number.

[13] The child was left in a vehicle at an unlicensed childcare facility. (FOX8. “NC child dies after being left in hot car.” 6-19-2020.) Two women at the unlicensed day care center were arrested on felony counts of involuntary manslaughter and child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury. (Daily Journal, Rockingham, NC. “Sheriff: Toddled died after being left in a car while at unlicensed day care.” 6-19-2020.)

[14] Was left in father’s car for approximately six hours. Edmond police stated that he told them that he was caring for five kids and “he just didn’t realize she was in there until it’s too late.” (USA Today. “Oklahoma girl, 3, dies after being left for hours in hot car, police say. It’s the 19th case of child vehicular heatstroke in 2020.” 8-18-2020.)

[15] The toddlers had climbed into their father’s pickup and were found dead several hours later. The Temperature in Tulsa that day reached 93 degrees. (The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City. “Child deaths in hot cars: Oklahoma among worst in nation.” 8-23-2020.)

[16] Died at hospital. OSHA Inspection Detail No. 1492242.015 – Eastern Oklahoma Concrete LLC.

[17] The mother had died of an overdose and “her two children subsequently perished due to a heat stroke after being left in their car seats in the back of their vehicle for more than a day according to law enforcement officials and the family.” The girls were identified as Elise Chambers, 2, and Izabel Chambers, 4. (in Forney. “Forney mother and children likely  perished as result of overdose.” 7-26-2020.)

[18] Indiana Gazette, PA (Patrick Cloonan). “Prolonged heat wave arrives locally.” July 6, 2020.

[19] Apparently the boy had gotten into a vehicle in a driveway and died at a hospital after being found. (KWTX. “Texas boy, 4, dies after wandering outside, climbing into car on 95-degree day.” 7-20-2020.)

[20] Cites Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

[21] Cites IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change). 2014.