Protection against summer heat advised
By Evan J. Noble, News Writing Student
Temperatures last week were milder than many summer days in Oklahoma, but that’s sure to change soon. When it does, people need to be prepared with ways to protect themselves from the heat.
Leaugeay Barnes, Emergency Medical Sciences director, said people should focus on water intake as soon as they begin to feel the first sign of extreme heat.
She said it’s important to stay constantly hydrated and avoid over-exertion through strenuous activities such as jogging, biking, and roller blading.
Some students, new to Oklahoma, may be caught unaware.
Rick Smith, Warning Coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Center in Norman, said those new to the state might benefit in understanding it is normal to have extended periods of hot conditions in Oklahoma.
Heat waves in Oklahoma “[vary} yearly, but typically [occur in] July and August, and peaks in late July and mid-August.” Smith said.
Many students said they already have plans in place to deal with the summer heat.
They offered their tips for those new to the state.
“Wear sunscreen with a high SPF,” said Erin Lee, 22. “Drink plenty of water, and stay in the shade if you’re going to be outside.”
Lee said she plans to spend a lot of time inside in air conditioning and will wait until later in the day to exercise so that she doesn’t become overheated.
Katie Oliphant, biology major, recommends staying inside before 4 p.m.
“Avoid the middle part of the day from say, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., if you can,” she said. “Wear light clothing, and drink lots of water.”
Oliphant said she has another method for dealing with Oklahoma heat. She leaves the state to camp and hike in caves in Colorado.
Ike Sloas, Campus Safety and Security director, said his staff is ready to assist anyone who succumbs to the heat.
To prepare for heat- and other weather-related emergencies, Sloas and Campus Safety and Security Coordinator Keith Bourque attend the National Weather Center’s Severe Weather Conference held in Norman each March.
OCCC security officers also are trained as First Responders, Sloas said.
Sloas said, during heat waves, people should drink plenty of fluids and stay inside since all of OCCC’s buildings are air conditioned
Barnes said if people must be outside, they should watch for signs of heat exhaustion.
“The biggest danger is going to be when the temp is over 90 degrees, combined with humidity of over 75 percent,” she said. “That is when we see the most problems because the body has trouble cooling itself.”
For more information on heat-related illnesses and preventative measures, visit the Red Cross at www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/heat or the National Weather Service at www. srh.noaa.gov/oun/wxsafety/summerwx/heatindex.php.
