The Lehigh County coroner said this week’s blast of 90-plus degree weather is to blame for the deaths of two mn.
As temperatures roast the region and the start of summer approaches, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio is sounding the alarm about the dangers the heat can play on a person’s health.
“Extreme heat is more of just an inconvenience; it could be life threatening,” said Buglio. “It’s really just to get the word out there to be proactive as we start the summer season.”
Buglio said his deputies already responded to two heat-related deaths this year.
“We did see heat-related deaths last year in the coroner’s office, and we did not see them this early on for last year. Now we’re seeing them here in May,” said Buglio. “When my deputies are doing a death investigation, we are looking for signs of heat-related deaths.”
A 78-year-old Washington Township man and a 76-year-old Allentown man were both found inside of their homes with elevated temperatures in the middle of this stretch of hot weather, according to Buglio.
“One was found at home by family member [and] one was all found by family members, but was brought to the hospital,” Buglio said.
Buglio said both of the deaths were ruled accidental and the cause of death being hyperthermia.
Now he’s urging ways for everyone to stay safe and healthy during the hot weather.
When the temps tick upwards, Buglio said it’s important to keep an eye on how you feel and check in on folks with pre-existing health conditions as well as the elderly, children and pets.
“Heat stroke or heat-related illnesses does not discriminate on age. It could be any age,” Buglio said. “If you can’t take care of yourself, you’re not going to be able to help take care of your neighbors, your loved ones, your friends, or your family.”
Buglio said he is withholding the names of the two men out of respect for their families and loved ones.