Heat Alert Issued In Tulsa After At Least 6 Heat-Related Calls, EMSA Says

A heat alert was issued for Tulsa Monday afternoon.

EMSA issued the alert at 5:15 p.m. after responding to six suspected heat-related calls, they said in a news release.

7/21/2017 Related Story: Tulsa EMSA Issues Heat Alert Amidst Triple-Digit Temperatures

Four of the patients were transported to local hospitals in "non-emergent" condition.

Patients ranged in age from 40 to 58 years old.

EMSA is urging citizens to make a plan to stay safe.

Plan the amount of time you think will be outdoors and take appropriate amounts of water or other fluids with you, even if just planning for a short amount of outdoor time, EMSA said.

Emergencies can happen and you could be stranded outdoors longer than expected.

Always have a cell with you to call 911, if needed.

Plan your schedule to allow for frequent breaks indoors, if possible.

Tips for staying healthy in the heat:

• Pre-hydration is key in preventing heat-related illness. Drink plenty of water or electrolyte replacement drinks several hours prior to and during long exposure to the summer heat.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide brimmed hat if working outdoors and take plenty of shade breaks.
• No alcohol or caffeine. 
• If you do not have air conditioning, find a cooling station or public space (such as libraries or malls) during the day.
• Also, don’t limit your air conditioning. If you are concerned about your electric bill, call PSO or 211. They have programs that could possibly help you.
• Use the buddy system if working outdoors and check on elderly neighbors.
• Keep a cell phone on you at all times when outdoors, including walking, running daily errands, yard work or sports and physical activity.

The following cooling stations are open for business until further notice:
 
The Salvation Army Center of Hope
102 N. Denver Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
24/7
 
Tulsa County Social Services Cooling station
2401 Charles Page Blvd.
Tulsa OK 74127
8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
 
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 East 4th Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Noon to 9 pm 7-days a week
 
John 3:16 Mission
506 N. Cheyenne
Tulsa, Okla. 74103
24/7

Senior Nutrition sites throughout the Tulsa area are also available as cooling stations.

EMSA issues a medical heat alert when they respond to five or more suspected heat-related illness calls in a 24-hour period.

EMSA has responded to 71 suspected heat related-calls in Tulsa so far this month, spokeswoman Kelli Bruer said.