Four Maryland residents die from cold weather

Cold weather has claimed the lives of four Marylanders, state officials announced Thursday.

The state medical examiner determined that hypothermia was a contributing factor in the deaths of a Baltimore woman Nov. 21, a Montgomery County man Nov. 28, an Anne Arundel County man Nov. 30 and a Baltimore County woman Dec. 4, according to the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Department officials did not release the individuals' names or ages.

Hypothermia was a factor in 54 deaths last winter.

Health department officials are using the occasion of the season's first cold-related deaths to advise residents to take precautions when spending time outside and to monitor friends and family members.

"We can save lives in severe weather by keeping our eyes open and checking our friends and neighbors, especially seniors," state Health Secretary John M. Colmers said in a written statement. "These tragedies can be avoided with just a small amount of caring, awareness and effort."

Experts advise people to layer their clothing, cover their heads and wear waterproof shoes to avoid hypothermia and frostbite.