Another Hot Day In Tulsa

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- An extreme heat warning remains in effect for most of Oklahoma.  Meanwhile, the Tulsa area is under an ozone alert for the second day in a row. 

Temperatures climbed into the 100s across the state Wednesday, and triple-digit temperatures are expected again on Thursday. The heat index, which is a combination of heat and humidity, was well over 100 degrees across the state, reaching 114 degrees in Durant and 110 in Grove.

On Wednesday, EMSA treated 10 adults for heat-related illnesses.  On Tuesday, 10 patients, four of whom were children, needed assistance.  On Monday, EMSA responded to seven heat-related calls.

The Tulsa Weather Coalition can help the medically fragile borrow air conditioners to beat the effects of Tulsa's heat.

"This heat has been rough on everyone," said Doug Griesenauer of Tulsa Weather Coalition. "We're extremely flooded because of the recent early heat, but we try to get back to people as soon as possible."

Applicants must meet four criteria:

• Must live in Tulsa County
• Have no form of air conditioning in the home
• Demonstrate the economic need for help
• Have a medical conditioning that heat makes life-threatening

Qualified applicants should call 918-295-1254 to start the process.

"Once they turn in an application and a doctor's note, we look over it and if they qualify we set up an appointment for an install," said Griesenauer.

But the group is limited in its scope and is not set up for immediate assistance. If an individual needs emergency assistance, Griesenauer recommends going to a hospital or community shelter.

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.

Make sure all pets have plenty of water, and that outdoor pets have a shady place to rest out of the sun.

Ozone Alert information

Tulsa Weather Coalition