The health officials of the Maricopa County have confirmed first heat-related fatality in the state this year. An healthy elderly woman died in early June in the city.

According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health,the elderly woman  in her 90s was found dead earlier this month in her backyard after suffering from heat exposure.

The County health spokeswoman Courtney Kreuzwiesner, said that, the agency did not provide the woman's exact age, city of residence or the date she died.

Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director for the county Disease Control Division, said that, "This is a sad reminder about how seriously we need to take our heat here in the desert." "Even being outdoors less than an hour can cause serious heat-related illness, especially among the most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that, more Americans die each year from heat-related incidents than from all other national disasters combined. According to county health officials,  Maricopa County recorded 84 heat-related deaths during the last year.

The county also released the following heat safety tips:

Drink water before you get thirsty to prevent dehydration.

Come indoors frequently to an air-conditioned location to cool your core body temperature.

Don't rely on fans as your primary source of cooling.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and lightweight clothes.

Never leave your kids, pets, or others who may rely on you inside of a parked car.

Check on friends and neighbors, especially the elderly, to ensure sufficient cooling and supplies.

Seek medical care immediately if you have, or someone you know has, symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, headaches, vomiting, confusion, no longer sweating, and rapid heart rate.

To sign up for heat alerts or for more information on heat-relief resources and how heat affects vulnerable populations, visit heataz.com or caloraz.com.

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Nandini