By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – The record-breaking heat in Alabama has killed 12 people, the highest number reported in the state in more than a decade.
The number, announced Wednesday by state health officials, was up two from the death toll announced Tuesday. It was the highest death toll since 1995, when the figure also reached 12.
The unrelenting heat has also caused 78 people to be admitted to a hospital for care. An additional 274 have been treated and released, according to Alabama hospital data.
State health officer Don Williamson urged people to take precautions to protect against the heat, including spending at least part of the day in an air-conditioned area.
He has previously said that it is important for the body to have a chance to cool down to help avoid heat-related illnesses. With night time temperatures not dropping below 75 degrees, that chance does not exist without air conditioning.
Heat-related deaths have been reported in Autauga, Chilton, Coffee, Elmore, Greene, Henry, Montgomery and Morgan counties.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)