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June 30, 2026
Dear Subscriber,
As you may know, Maryland is expected to experience very high temperatures and humidity over the next several days. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses. Whether you work outdoors or spend time outside, please take extra precautions to protect yourself and those around you.
If you work outdoors, please follow these heat safety practices:
- Drink small amounts of water frequently—approximately 1 cup every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty.
- Wear light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing.
- Avoid caffeinated beverages, energy drinks, and hot, heavy meals.
- Be alert to any signs or symptoms of heat-related illness or changes in how you feel and notify your supervisor immediately if you become ill.
- Do not take salt tablets unless prescribed by your physician.
- Be aware that certain prescription medications may increase your susceptibility to heat stress.
- Utilize the Buddy System whenever appropriate so coworkers can monitor one another for signs of heat illness.
In addition to protecting yourself, please take a few moments to check on family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers during this extreme heat event. Give special attention to older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or asthma. If someone lives alone or does not have reliable air conditioning, check on them at least twice a day to ensure they are safe and staying cool.
If you or someone you know needs relief from the heat, cooling centers are open throughout Maryland. A list of available cooling centers can be found here:
Maryland Cooling Centers: https://health.maryland.gov/preparedness/Pages/Cooling-Centers-Contact-List-2026.aspx
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Heat Safety Tool, available free for both iOS and Android devices, is an excellent resource for planning outdoor work activities. The app provides:
- Current heat index and associated risk levels based on your location.
- Heat-specific precautionary recommendations.
- Hourly heat index forecasts to help plan outdoor work.
- Location, temperature, and humidity controls for customized planning.
- OSHA and NIOSH occupational heat safety guidance.
- Signs, symptoms, and first aid information for heat-related illnesses.
Thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, your coworkers, your families, and our communities safe during this period of extreme heat.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Office of Environment, Safety, and Sustainability (OESS) at MPASafety@mdot.maryland.gov.
Stay safe and stay hydrated.
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