'Take Those Precautions Now': EMSA Issues First Heat Advisory Of 2024

Oklahoma City is no stranger to extreme heat, but as we enter the summer months local organizations are working to prepare all Oklahomans.

“This is really the first really hot weekend we’ve had,” said Meghan Mueller, OKC Homeless Alliance Executive Director.

Scorching temperatures and the first heat advisory of the year signal that summer is on the way.

“In communities across the country we really see that the heat can be more dangerous and more deadly than the cold,” Mueller said.

She says people who live outside are the most vulnerable.

“Temperatures on either side of the extreme make our work all the more important,” Mueller said.

The Homeless Alliances day shelter is open 7 days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Anyone who’s looking for some respite from the heat is welcome to join us,” Mueller said. “We’re open for breakfast and lunch, we have showers, we’ll have water.”

City leaders are already working on plans for cooling stations throughout the city this summer and the Homeless Alliance is always taking donations.

“We really could use bug spray and sunscreen; those are our two most pressing needs,” Mueller said.

Additionally, throughout this first heat advisory EMSA says they've responded to at least 10 heat-related illness calls in the metro since Thursday.

“We need you to take those precautions now and start getting ready. If you know you’re going to be outside, drink plenty of water, make sure you’re wearing the right kind of clothes,” Kimberly Querry with EMSA said.

EMSA also stresses the importance of knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion will result in nausea, headache, fatigue and sweating, whereas heat stroke causes you to stop sweating, slur your speech, and possibly lose consciousness.

Sunday is the last day of the heat advisory, but EMSA says more are on the way as we head into the summer months.