The high temperatures put many people at risk.
Contact 13 has new information as we continue to reveal how deadly the heat can be.
Last year was the hottest year on record in Las Vegas history, and it was also a deadly summer. According to the Southern Nevada Health District, 123 people died from heat related exposure in 2017 compared to 76 the summer before.
Our investigation revealed heat kills more people than any other weather related cause -- including earthquakes and hurricanes. And the high temps continue to take lives.
The Clark County Coroner reports 18 people have died in Las Vegas so far this year. They anticipate that number will be higher pending final test results. In 2013 -- 51 died. 2014 -- 21. 2015 -- 46. 2016 -- 83. 2017 -- 135. (The Coroner's Office tells us they are working with the Health District to reconcile the difference in those numbers.)
The Health District warns, July is "consistently the deadliest month" pointing to last July when 48 people died from heat related exposure here in Clark County.
And according to KidsAndCars.com, 21 children have died in hot cars already this year across the country.
The Health District is urging everyone to take the heat seriously and know the signs of heatstroke. That happens when your body temp goes up really fast and you can't sweat enough to cool down.
You might experience:
- High body temperature (103° F or higher)
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Losing consciousness
For symptoms of other heat-related illnesses, click here.
