EMSA Reminds Oklahomans To Stay Prepared For Summer Heat

Potentially deadly heat is beating down on Oklahoma. EMSA reports the triple digit temps are already making some people sick.

Paramedics say staying out of the heat is the best option, but for hundreds of workers, that is not an option.

With the rumble of a construction site in the background, Matt Matchell with Sherwood Construction stops to talk with us about the warm weather.

"It's hot, we are in triple digits," Matchell said.

As the crew tears down the old crosstown, they are careful to make sure not to wreck their health.

"We've created cool down stations and we've given ‘em places to rest in the shade, and we are using fans to push air," Matchell said.

Matchell says he also requires his workers to take water breaks every 30 minutes.

Paramedics say in addition to drinking a lot of water, make sure you wear a cool wrap around the neck and choose light colored clothing instead of dark. A heat test proves a white shirt is 15 degrees cooler than blue pants.

As you go on through the day it can get progressively worse and unfortunately we will probably see some deaths from it." John Graham explained.

EMSA responded to 11 heat related calls by the time News 9 broadcast this story, and paramedics expected to see more.

"The trend of 100 degree heat is normal it is an everyday thing," Graham said.

Graham says Oklahomans should consider the heat a threat and stay prepared. Symptoms of heat related illness include nausea, stomach and muscle cramps, and feeling extremely tired.