By BOB GIBBINS
Press Staff Writer
TAHLEQUAH —
The heat is on in Cherokee County, with temperatures reaching above 90 degrees for several days. But the latter part of the week brought some relief.
Earlier this month, area residents sweltered in the near-100-degree temperatures and high humidity that pushed the heat index well above the century mark.
Meteorologists say the heat index is what people really feel when they’re outdoors.
Those conditions have prompted some local businesses to alter schedules for employees who work outdoors.
Tahlequah Street Department. Street Commissioner Mike Corn said his men have been reporting for work at 6 a.m., and head home at 2:30 p.m. due to the hot weather.
The county commissioners said they haven’t adjusted schedules for their road crews, who come in year-round at 7 a.m.
Jack Goss, a local pilot who operates out of the Tahlequah airport, said even flying can be difficult with the hot and humid conditions.
“A lot of these guys come in [to the Terminal Building] dripping wet,” he said. “You’ve got to get up about 5,000 feet before you get some relief. The higher you fly, the cooler it gets.”
Goss said his 1946 Er Coupe has an advantage some other plans don’t because he can put the top down, similar to a convertible car.
“You don’t have the heat off the glass then,” he said. “It’s a little better.”
Tahlequah-Cherokee County Emergency Management Director Gary Dotson said the heat and high humidity are not to be taken lightly.
“It can cause some serious health problems,” he said. “We recommend people stay indoors as much as possible.
He said if you have to be outside, you should take frequent breaks from your activity and drink plenty of water. Dotson said alcohol and caffeine drinks like soda and coffee should be avoided.
“They need to wear loose, light-colored clothing when possible,” he said. “We also suggest some kind of headgear, like a cap.”
Tahlequah Police Officer Brad Robertson, the department spokesman, said TPD warns against leaving children or pets in a closed vehicle for any length of time. He said even five minutes can be too long in these conditions.
“We’ve had one call of an animal being left in a vehicle,” he said. “[The vehicle] was gone before the officers arrived.”
Both hospitals have treated people for heat-related illnesses and dehydration during the extreme heat.
“We have treated roughly five patients with heat-related problems since July 1,” said Sandie Taggart, registered nurse and emergency department director at Tahlequah City Hospital. “One patient was admitted for heat exhaustion, and the others were hydrated and treated for their symptoms before being released to go home.”
Dr. Douglas Nolan, medical director for Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital, said his facility has treated 40 patients in June and July for heat-related illnesses.
“Another 140 patients were treated for dehydration, which is usually related to heat,” he said.
Both Nolan and Taggart urge some precautions for local residents so they can avoid an emergency room visit.
“Be prepared with plenty of water on hand and drink frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty to keep yourself hydrated,” said Taggart. “An adult needs 17-20 ounces of fluid before beginning activity, 7 to 10 ounces every 10-20 minutes during activity, and 24 ounces of fluid within the first two hours after outdoor activity.”
Like Dotson, Nolan suggests avoiding alcohol, as it causes increased fluid loss. He also said outdoor activities should be planned for morning or evening, when temperatures are not at their extremes.
“Allow additional time to complete tasks so you can take breaks to cool down,” Nolan said. “Remember to use sun screen to avoid burns and reduce the chance of skin cancer.”
Taggart said children should consume 4 to 8 ounces of fluid prior to outdoor activity, and 5 to 9 ounces every 20 minutes while outside. She said they should also drink 24 ounces of fluid within the first two hours after prolonged outdoor activity.
Taggart said some symptoms of heat exhaustion may include any of the following: heavy sweating, nausea/vomiting, and muscle cramps.
