06/26/2024
Please be aware of the cooling stations in Tulsa during this heatwave! Please be sure to leave fresh water in the shade for our furry friends...or bring them in!
With the dangerous heat index, it's important to plan ahead before heading outside and to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and how to respond to both.
If you have to be out in the heat, remember to:
• Drink plenty of water (2-4 glasses of water for every hour you're physically active or in direct heat.)
• If your kids want to be outside, limit playtime to the early morning or evening hours. In the afternoon hours, some playground equipment can reach temperatures of nearly 190 degrees, causing severe burns and injury. Make sure your kids have access to cool water and a place to cool down – and don’t forget the sunscreen, just 15 minutes unprotected in 100+ degree temperatures can cause a severe sunburn.
• Do not rely only on electric fans during extreme heat. When temperatures are in the high 90s, fans may not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• If you do not have air conditioning or if there is a power outage, find locations where you can stay cool.
• Ensure you have plenty of lightweight, loose clothing to wear. Refrain from wearing restrictive clothing like spandex that will limit your body’s ability to stay cool.
• Create a support team of people you may assist and who can assist you. Check in with them often to make sure that everyone is safe.
‣ NEVER leave anyone, including pets, in a closed, parked vehicle. Temperatures inside can reach over 150 degrees quickly, resulting in heat stroke or death.
‣ Remember to check on your elderly family and neighbors to make sure they have adequate air conditioning.
Cooling stations are open for anyone seeking shelter from the heat at:
‣ John 3:16 Mission | 506 N. Cheyenne | Open 24/7
‣ The Salvation Army Center of Hope | 102 N. Denver Ave. | Open 24/7
‣ Tulsa County Emergency Shelter | 2401 Charles Page Blvd | Open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
‣ The Day Center | 415 West Archer Street Tulsa, OK 74103