TULSA, Okla. — EMSA issued the first Heat Alert of 2026 for Tulsa on June 30th.
What leads to a heat alert?
Medics responded to 5 suspected heat-related illness calls and transported three 3 of those patients to the hospital in our Tulsa service area as of 3 p.m.. EMSA issues a Medical Heat Alert when Paramedics respond to five or more heat-related illness calls in a 24-hour period.
EMSA recommends people take heat precautions when spending prolonged time outside, especially with the holiday weekend coming up.
What are those precautions?
- 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.
- Refrain from alcohol and/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.
Where can I get relief?
The City of Tulsa opened four cooling stations:
- John 3:16 Mission | 506 N. Cheyenne, Open during daylight hours
- Salvation Army | 102 N. Denver Ave., Open during daylight hours
- Tulsa Day Center | 415 West Archer St., Open during daylight hours
- Tulsa County Social Services | 2401 Charles Page Blvd., 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
They also urged people to take heat safety precautions, including these notes on hydration:
- Drink enough water to prevent heat illness and learn to pre-hydrate before you get too hot
- Avoid going outdoors during the hottest part of the day
- Dress appropriately in loose, lightweight clothing
- Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks
- Combine water with snacks or a sports drink to replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat
- Talk to your doctor about how to prepare if you have a medical condition or are taking medicines that make you more vulnerable to heat
- Never leave a child in a hot car. If you see this, immediately call 9-1-1.
Anyone who sees someone having a heat-related medical incident should call 911.
The city has posted additional information online here. Month-to-date, EMSA responded to 55 heat-related illness calls in the Tulsa area and transported 34 patients to local hospitals due to heat-related illness complications.
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