Green Country Deals With Excessive Heat

The intense heat may be to blame for a third victim. A Sand Springs man, who collapsed while working in his yard, is the third person in the state who has died from apparent heat related causes. Heat advisories and warnings are in effect.

The Tulsa Heat Coalition has set up three cool zones. They're located at Tulsa County Social Services at 2401 Charles Page Boulevard, the Salvation Army at 102 North Denver and at the Hicks Recreation Center located at 3443 South Mingo.

News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports with the sun bearing down, the anxiety level for emergency crews goes up along with the temperature and heat index.

State and city leaders toured one of three cooling zones set up in the city to help people get a break from the scorching temperatures. While some sought shelter, others have no choice but to work in the intense heat.

As a tree trimmer, Rusty Mitchell is used to hot weather. But even for him, several days of 100 plus degree weather can be tough.

"I almost felt like I was about to faint and I have to be real careful. If I faint in one of these trees, I can fall out and definitely get hurt," said tree trimmer Rusty Mitchell.

Mitchell takes breaks and drinks plenty of water, which is what experts recommend for people who are out in the scorching temperatures. Whether working or outside for fun, everyone is feeling the heat of the hot sun. Elijah Daugherty is coaching youth tennis at Hicks Park.

"Ok, Caden and Matt, quickly go get a drink. Quickly go get a drink over there, rest up, come back out, we'll play," said Elijah Daugherty, Tennis Coach.

With the scorching weather, Daugherty is cutting back on the duration of sessions and increasing the number and length of breaks. The kids are also required to drink plenty of fluids.

"Obviously increasing your water and electrolyte intake, taking more time in between each point," said Daugherty.

Since August 1, EMSA has responded to 38 patients with symptoms of heat related illness, 12 of those on Monday alone.

Emergency crews say people should stay out of the hot weather and at the very least be very careful.

"Watch out. If you start feeling lightheaded or if you start getting cold chills, you might want to sit down in the shade, take a break and don't overdo it," said Mitchell.

Emergency workers are encouraging people to check on their neighbors to make sure they are ok during this intense heat, just like during the December ice storm when so many people were without heat.

For more information on the extreme heat, CLICK HERE.