National Weather Service warns of dangerous heat conditions

OKLAHOMA CITY ( KFOR ) – The National Weather Service is warning of extremely dangerous heat conditions as Oklahoma’s temperatures rise.

According to NWS, both heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous. It is important to know the difference between the two.

Heat exhaustion

• Faint or dizzy
• Excessive sweating
• Cool, pale or clammy skin
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Muscle cramps

Heat stroke

• Throbbing headache
• No sweating
• Body temperature above 104 degrees
• Red, hot and dry skin
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid, strong pulse
• May lose consciousness

ESMA has tips to avoid heat related illness this summer:

• 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 will issue a Medical Heat Alert whenever paramedics respond to five or more heat-related illness calls in a 24-hour period.

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