Staying Cool in the Oklahoma Heat

By Charles Bassett, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY - An increased number of heat-related emergencies across the state has EMSA officials urging Oklahomans to stay cool in the heat.

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Tish Head exercises by taking her daughter on a stroll around Lake Hefner, and the mother-daughter duo are always prepared for the heat.

"Wearing light clothing, loose clothing, making sure you don't have too tight clothing on, staying hydrated, water, gatorade, those sort of things," said Tish Head.

Paramedics are already responding to about one to three calls a day for people falling victim to heat. They said the reason is because people outside are over exerting themselves and are not taking time to cool down or get water.

"Some of the things they're doing are what they've been doing in the fall," said John Graham with EMSA. "They're out playing golf, things like that. They're just no acclimated to it yet."

One group of people who are no stranger to sun exposure are yard crews.

"We take breaks in the pick up and lunch breaks, and we have an ice chest full of water we drink all day," said Chad Friesen, who works for Kris's Lawn Care.

EMSA said they rarely respond to heat calls for yard crews and people should take a lesson from them.

"If they know they're going to be outside, drink lots of fluids, lots of water, no alcohol. Lots of clear fluids and keep drinking throughout the day," Graham said.

And while things are cooking outside, indoor heat can be just as dangerous. That's why the Salvation Army is giving away hundreds of fans this summer.

"It's life sustaining," said Antoinette Hysmith-Sanders, of Oklahoma City Salvation Army. "We are focused on seniors, people 65 and older who have chronic debilitating health problem and families who have infants 6 months and younger. Those are the groups that die in this kind of heat.

The Salvation Army expects to give away 1,000 fans this summer to needy families who qualify.