EMSA continues to issue heat alerts cautioning OKC about risks

Last Updated on September 25, 2022, 8:47 AM | Published: September 21, 2022

UPDATE – 9-25-22: EMSA has rescinded their earlier heat alert. This story originally ran on Sept. 21.

OKLAHOMA CITY (Free Press) — EMSA have issued yet another heat alert for Wednesday in the OKC metro and expects to extend that alert through Thursday.

Tuesday, they responded to “suspected heat-related illness” calls continuing a trend from the highest heat the city has seen in weeks.

Wednesday’s forecast is for more high heat Wednesday with NOAA reporting 77 degrees for OKC at 9 a.m. and a predicted high for the day of 95. Temperatures are not expected to get down into the 80s until 8 p.m.

Temperature highs for the remainder of the week are supposed to stay in the 90s and high 80s.

EMSA reports that the majority of their calls for heat-related illness have been at the Oklahoma State Fair. Two of the calls at the Fair resulted in the patients being transported to the hospital.

EMSA encourages those attending the Oklahoma State Fair to pay particular attention to the temperatures and make the appropriate preparations before arriving at the fairgrounds.

EMSA heat safety tips

• PRE-HYDRATION is key in preventing heat-related illness. Drink plenty of water or electrolyte replacement drinks several hours prior to and during long exposure to the summer heat.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide brimmed hat if working outdoors and take plenty of shade breaks.
• No alcohol or caffeine
• If you do not have air conditioning, find a cooling station or public space (such as libraries or malls) during the day.
• Don’t limit your use of air conditioning.
• Use the buddy system if working outdoors and check on elderly neighbors.
• Keep a cell phone on you at all times when outdoors, including walking, running daily errands, yard work or sports and physical activity.

EMSA issues a Medical Heat Alert when paramedics respond to five or more heat-related illness calls in a 24-hour period. EMSA’s Heat Alert will remain in effect until the temperatures and/or heat-related call volume decrease significantly.

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