Beat The Heat With Cooling Station, EMSA Tips

Five people have been treated and taken to the hospital for heat-related illness since midnight June 25, according to EMSA.

Most of the patients were working outdoors – either at their jobs or at home, according to Captain Chris Stevens with EMSA. Most of those patients reported little or no water intake during the day.

Stevens offered the following tips to avoid falling victim to the Oklahoma summer heat.

• Pre-hydrate by drinking plenty of water and/or electrolyte replacement drinks several hours prior to long exposure to the summer heat. Keep drinking water as you work or play outside.
• Wear light colored, loose clothing and a wide brimmed hat if working outdoors. Take plenty of shade breaks.
• Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages and alcohol if you plan on spending time in excessive heat.

6/25/2012 Related Story: Heat, Ozone Alerts For Eastern Oklahoma

You can beat the heat at a cooling station opened by the Salvation Army. The homeless shelter at 102 North Denver has ice water available in the lobby which stays open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. People who are vulnerable to the heat, such as infants and the elderly, are encouraged to stay cool, especially if their air conditioning goes out.

"People are encouraged to come in and cool down whether they or homeless or not," said Sallie Godwin of the Salvation Army.

Learn more about Extreme Heat safety with Weather 101.