Nine Heat-Related Deaths Confirmed, More Possible ME Reports

Havonnah Johnson, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The state medical examiner's office said nine people have now died from the heat. Autopsies are pending on seven more possible cases.

The latest death was a 57-year-old man found inside his Oklahoma City home with no electricity or water Wednesday evening.

Meteorologist Gary England said Wednesday high temps were record-breaking at 107 degrees.

Firefighters had to put down their hoses and pick up water while battling a grass fire in Grady County. Two volunteer firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion, but outdoor workers aren't the only ones suffering.

And, experts warn, it's not just the elderly either who are suffering.

"The kids that are outside playing at the park, the middle aged ones that are at home working in the backyard and the elderly that are stuck in the house without a way to cool their house, so it does affect all age groups," said Mike Roy of EMSA.

Roy said symptoms of heatstroke include a headache, dizziness even a stomach ache. If ignored the body stops producing sweat and ultimately organs shut down.

The best advice: hydrate. If you're outdoors you need two 16-ounce bottles of water an hour.