EMSA Shares Heat-Safety Tips For Kids Amid 4th Medical Heat Alert Of 2023

EMSA has issued its fourth Medical Heat Alert this summer as the metro sees record-breaking temperatures. 

EMSA responded to seven heat related illness calls in the metro on Saturday and with kids back in school, it is encouraging parents to keep them safe. 

"It’s really important that parents are dressing their kids appropriately for the heat," said Adam Paluka with EMSA. "I know a lot of kids might want to pick out their own outfits but this might be an evening where mom and dad say we're not going to wear that black shirt, we're going to wear something white, you're going to wear something a little looser."  

Loose, light colored clothing and hydration are the most important reminders when it comes to children. 

"Parents should make sure their kids are drinking between 40 and 60 ounces of water per day depending on their childs weight," said Paluka. 

He also says parents should have conversations with their children about how dangerous the heat can be. 

"I think that a good rule of thumb is to listen to your body,” said Paluka. "Remind kids that their body is a great tool. If something doesn't feel right that probably means something isn't right."  

Excessive heat is expected to stick around this week and EMSA says awareness and preparation is key at any age. 

"We're seeing a lot of folks saying, 'I didn't know it was going to be this hot outside' or 'I didn't think my body would succumb this quickly,’" said Paluka.  

Here’s a list of tips from EMSA as the excessive heat alert continues: 

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. 

1. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if working outdoors and take plenty of shade breaks. 
2.  No alcohol or caffeine.  
3. If you do not have air conditioning, find a cooling station or public space (such as libraries or malls) during the day. 
4. Don’t limit your use of air conditioning.  
5. Use the buddy system if working outdoors and check on elderly neighbors. 
6.  Keep a cell phone on you at all times when outdoors, including walking, running daily errands, yard work or sports and physical activity. 

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EMSA medics in Oklahoma City and Tulsa respond to over 250 heat-related illness calls each summer. These calls can be from minor aches to cases of heat exhaustion severe as a person losing consciousness.

EMSA issues a Medical Heat Alert when there are five or more suspected heat-related illness calls in a 24-hour period, and the alert expires when there are less than 5 calls in a day.

For more heat safety information, click here.

What are some ways Oklahomans can stay cool ahead of the hot temperatures this summer?

Do not exercise intensely during the hottest times of the day and wear light loose-fitting clothing. Make sure to drink lots of liquids to replace the fluids you lose from sweating. To keep cool, spritz skin with water and block out windows with a blanket or sheet during the day. 

What are signs of heat exhaustion?

The Centers for Disease Control recommends adults watch out for signs of heat exhaustion which can be; heavy sweating, cold, pale, and clammy skin, a fast, weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and fainting. If experiencing these symptoms people should drink water, move to a cooler area or take a cool bath. Lastly, medical attention should be sought out if symptoms last longer than an hour.

What are signs of a heat stroke?

The CDC defines heat stroke symptoms as– hot, red, dry or damp skin; a fast and strong pulse; a headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion and passing out. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately, and try to move the person into the shade or a cooler area. Try to lower your body temperature by using cool clothes.

How to protect kids from heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Parents and caregivers should be aware of the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in young children and take precautions such as having them wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, use sunscreen, and stay hydrated. To keep cool, activities like playing in water or in the shade should be encouraged, and a spray bottle can help increase comfort. Children who are experiencing a heat stroke may also have a high fever or even seizures.

For more information about heat exhaustion and heat strokes from the CDC, click here.

How do I keep my pet safe from intense heat?

Pets are susceptible to dehydration and overheating in hot and humid weather. Owners should provide shady places for pets, limit exercise, and keep them indoors in extreme heat. Signs of overheating include excessive panting, increased heart and respiratory rates, drooling, weakness, stupor, seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit.

For more information on how to keep your pet safe, click here.

How to protect your skin from intense heat

Stay hydrated throughout the day and refuel your body with proper sleep. To protect your skin from damage, apply a water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every 2 hours. Make sure to wear protective clothing, use a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15, and avoid the sun between 10am and 4pm.

For skin safety tips, click here.

Cooling centers in Oklahoma City

Capitol Hill Library located at 327 southwest 27th Street, 405-634-6308, open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. till 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. till 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Warr Acres Library located at 5901 NW 63rd Street, 405-606-3521, is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. till 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. till 6 p.m.

Rockwell Plaza YMCA located at 8300 Glade Avenue, 405-621 -5858,Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. till 9 p.m., Friday 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Earlywine Park YMCA located at 11801 S. May Avenue, 405-378-0402, Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. till 10 p.m., Friday 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Cooling centers in Edmond

Edmond Center located at 3413 Wynn Drive, 405-471-6967, is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. till 5:50 p.m. 

Cooling centers in Moore

Moore Sr. Citizens Center located at 501 E. Main Street, 405-799-3130, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. till 4 p.m.

Cooling centers in Norman

Food and Shelter located at 201 Reed Avenue, 405-360-4954, is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. till 4 p.m. 

Cooling centers in Muskogee

Lake Area United Way located at 230 W. Broadway Street (STE 200), 918-682-1364, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m.

Arrowhead Mall located at 501 N. Main Street, 918-683-4100, is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. till 7 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. till 6 p.m.

Cooling centers in Tulsa

Expo Square located at 4145 E. 21st Street, 405-744-1113, seven days a week from 10 a.m. till 8 p.m.

John 3:16 Mission located at 506 N. Cheyenne Avenue, 918-587-1186, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and year round. 

Tulsa County Emergency Shelter 2401 Charles Page Boulevard, 918-896-5591, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and year round.