Another Hot Day In Tulsa

By Craig Day, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The scorching heat takes a toll.  An excessive heat warning is in effect for most of Oklahoma.  Temperatures across the state are well above 100 degrees and even up to 108 degrees in some places.  EMSA has responded to three heat related calls in the Tulsa area on Tuesday.

Jeanetta Green found herself in a position no one wants to be in on a 100-plus degree day.

"It's tough.  It's tough," said Tulsan Jeanetta Green.

Her air conditioner quit working and with the sun bearing down outside, the temperature was going up inside.

"Like an oven.  An oven in here," said Tulsan Jeanetta Green.

Green has gone to her daughter's home a few times to cool down, but when she returns to her own north Tulsa home, there are only a couple of fans to help her keep cool.

"Stuffy, sticky.  You know.  Sweaty," said Tulsan Jeanetta Green.

While Green tries to keep cool, a few blocks away, Deon Penney is trying to get his yard work done before it gets too hot.

"I advise anyone, just stay in the house, and if you are going to be in this heat, just be out for a little bit, just about an hour.  That's the most you can stand out here because this will kill you," said Deon Penney of Tulsa.

The heat may have killed a man found dead at a west Tulsa construction site.  He showed symptoms of heat-related illness.  It's cause for alarm for the Tulsa Weather Coalition.

"Sometimes people will get lethargic and not be aware of how dehydrated they are becoming.  And, they can get to where they can't get around and can't call for help.  It's really bad," said Dan Grimes with the Tulsa Weather Coalition.

The weather coalition provides loaner A/C units to people in need.  That comes as good news for Jeanetta Green.

"It's hot.  You've got to have some air.  Some type of air," said Jeanetta Green.

Volunteers installed a new window unit in her home and within minutes the cool air was making a difference.

"It feels great.  I miss it, too, I'm telling you," said Tulsan Jeanetta Green.

The Tulsa Weather Coalition can always use donations of air conditioners or cash.  To donate or if you need help, you can call them at 918-834-2665.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services is taking applications to help people pay their summer cooling bills.   There are certain income guidelines that must be met to qualify for the help.  Applications are being taken at DHS Human Service Centers.  You will need your latest electric bill and income verification to apply.

Related stories:

EMSA: Homeless Man Dies From Possible Heat-Related Illness

How To Prepare For Triple Digit Temps

EMSA offers the following precautions for surviving the excessive heat:

• Reduce outdoor activity, particularly during the late morning and afternoon hours.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption, and up your water intake.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Spend as much time as possible in an air-conditioned environment; visit a library, indoor shopping mall, community center or other such venue if you don't have air-conditioning at home.
• Play close attention to those at increased risk for heat-related illness, including young children (under age 4), senior citizens, people with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure, and outdoor laborers.
• Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle.

Temperatures inside a closed, parked vehicle can quickly reach over 150 degrees, resulting in heat stroke and death.

And EMSA says make sure all pets have plenty of water, and that outdoor pets have a shady place to rest.