Claremore Daily Progress

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July 31, 2012

High temps cause alarm

Salesha Wilken Staff Reporter

CLAREMORE — Citizens in Rogers County are being placed on high alert this week in the wake of several area fires and dangerously high temperatures.

Area agencies including the Oologah-Talala Emergency Medical Services (OTEMS) is getting the word out to area residents about the extreme danger involved with the record-breaking temperatures.
Additionally, the Cherokee Nation made a significant donation of water bottles to several area fire departments.
The donation of 1,000 bottles of water saved the departments approximately $700 each and could not have occurred at a better time when materials are depleted due to the high number of recent fires, according to Emergency Management Director Bob Anderson.
Anderson reported the donation during Monday’s county commissioner meeting.
The commissioners expressed their gratitude to the Cherokee Nation for the donation.
“We would like to thank the Cherokee Nation for yet again helping us,” commissioner Kirt Thacker said.
During the meeting the commissioners also discussed how important it is for citizens to take care of themselves during the extreme hear.

 

Ways to Beat the Heat

 

OTEMS Public Information Officer John Wylie is working to notify area residents for the agency.
Wylie issued the following tips for citizens in a recent press release.
 
DRESS RIGHT
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight
Protect your face and head with a wide-brimmed hat.
 
KEEP HEAT OUTSIDE & COOL AIR INSIDE
Put up temporary reflectors in windows, like cardboard covered with aluminum foil
Hang shades, sheets or curtains on windows that get morning or afternoon sun.
 
DRINK LOTS OF WATER 
Even if you don’t feel thirsty, your body needs water to keep cool. Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine. They make the heat’s effects worse.
 
AVOID SALT TABLETS
Don’t use salt tablets unless directed to do so by a doctor. Salt causes the body to retain fluid, resulting in swelling.
 
EAT SMALL MEALS AND EAT MORE OFTEN
Large, heavy meals cause your body to increase internal heat to digest food.
 
IF YOUR HOME DOESN’T 
HAVE AIR CONDITIONING
Pick other places you can go during the warmest part of the day. 
Schools, libraries, malls, recreation centers, and other public buildings may offer air conditioning on the hottest days. 
Your community may have cooling stations available during heat alerts.
Area crews with OTEMS and other emergency agencies will be out this week looking for those without air condition.
Citizens are urged to watch out for their neighbors and if an emergency arises call 911 for assistance.
 

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