Staying Safe During the Extreme Heat
Tulsa's temperatures have stayed at 100 degrees and more for the
past several days. More and more heat calls are being reported in
the evening hours as people have spent all day in the heat.
EMSA officials report that several Tulsans were treated
yesterday for heat-related illnesses due to record-high
temperatures and offer these tips on extreme heat safety:
- Plan your outdoor activities wisely, such as mowing the yard,
washing the car, running, or bicycling. These activities can
be accomplished more safely in the early morning hours or just
before the sun sets.
- Stay out of the heat and stay indoors. If no air conditioning
is available, visit a cooling station or public building such as
libraries or malls.
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids, such as
water or sports drinks. The U.S. Department of Health recommends
you drink two to four glasses of water every hour while working or
playing outside in the heat.
- Avoid sunburns and the long-term risk of skin cancer by wearing
lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear a
wide-brimmed hat and use a sunscreen of at least an SPF of 30 that
is a broad spectrum.
- Never leave a child unattended in a car for any length of
time.
- If you are experiencing symptoms of a heat-related illness,
such as a persistently rapid heartbeat, a throbbing headache,
dizziness, confusion, weakness or muscle cramps, call 9-1-1.
Tulsa has three cooling stations, which are currently
operational:
Tulsa County Social Services
2401 Charles Page Blvd., Tulsa, OK
Operational hours: 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., 7 days a week
Salvation Army Center of Hope
102 N. Denver Ave., Tulsa, OK
Operational hours: open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Dennis R. Neill Equality
Center
621 East 4th Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Operational hours: Noon to 9 p.m., 7 days a week
For more information about extreme heat safety, please contact
the 2-1-1 Helpline or the American Red Cross at (918) 831-1109.
