Tulsa Parents Deal With Excessive Heat Warning

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for Tulsa County.  The warning will be in effect through Tuesday afternoon, as dangerously hot weather is expected to continue.

06/22/2009  Related Story: High Temps Prompt Activation Of Tulsa Heat Emergency Plan

It's only the second day of summer and already the thermometers are flirting with triple digits.  Some parents say they're overwhelmed at balancing their kids need for fun with the need for safety.

It's free swim for some campers at the Westside YMCA.

"You can cook eggs on the side of the street. This is like heaven to them, a small piece of heaven though," said camp counselor Patrick Smith.

Counselor Patrick Smith says many campers carry water bottles or use the mister.  They also try to stay in the shade.  Of course, when it feels like 100 degrees, nothing beats a hop in the pool.

"It's refreshing.  For one, I think it kind of re-energizers their little batteries and stuff," said camp counselor Patrick Smith.

It's a similar story at the Quick Trip Plaza where dozens of tots are splashing and playing under the hot sun.

Pediatrician Dr. Pat Daley says young kids can fool their parents by acting like everything's fine while the early signs of heat exhaustion are setting in.

"You can be OK, OK, OK and then bam, it just hits you. And, you can get faint, nausea, vomiting, have temperature instability problems, and I mean, some kids, every year, go to the emergency room," said Dr. Pat Daley.

Tulsa mom Erin Ackley says she's extra careful and keeps her daughter hydrated.

"We load up on the snacks, and the drinks, and the sun block, and whatever else they need to basically not get burnt," said Tulsa mom Erin Ackley.

It's only the second time in seven years EMSA has issued a heat alert in June.  And, as the temperatures continue to climb, doctors say water and rest are the key.

The excessive heat warning will last through Tuesday, but it could very well be extended even longer.

On Monday, EMSA transported three patients who became ill while spending time outside or working in un-airconditioned environments to area hospitals.