Stay Safe and Healthy During Summer Storm Season

Emergency Preparedness Tips for Health During Severe Summer Weather

As we prepare to move into the summer season, we can expect more time spent outdoors, rising temperatures, and, unfortunately, an increased risk of severe weather, including heavy storms and tornadoes. Severe weather conditions can be dangerous, especially for older adults, children, and individuals with chronic medical conditions. Preparing ahead of time and knowing when to seek emergency care during summer storms can help prevent serious or long-term health complications caused by weather-related injuries and emergencies.

Typically, at the start of June, we begin to see efforts ramp up to help communities prepare for potential summer storms. Below are important tips to help you and your family not only stay safe during extreme summer weather and storm season but also stay healthy.

Tips to Stay Safe and Healthy During Summer Storm Season

1. Create an Emergency Preparedness Kit

Being prepared is one of the best ways to stay safe during storms and tornadoes. In addition to monitoring weather alerts and having a clear safety plan, it is important to assemble an emergency kit with essential items such as bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, medications, and important documents. When preparing your emergency kit, also keep in mind the potential for storm-related injuries, such as cuts, fractures, or head injuries, which can occur during high winds, flying debris, or cleanup efforts. Be sure your kit is easily accessible in case you need to shelter quickly or evacuate.

2. Prepare for Power Outages and Flooding

Severe storms often bring power outages and dangerous flooding. Avoid using candles during outages to reduce fire and burn risks, and instead, use flashlights. Never walk or drive through floodwaters, as they may be deeper or more hazardous than they appear. If flooding occurs, move to higher ground immediately and avoid contact with contaminated water.

3. Recognize the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses

Summer storms can also bring extreme heat and humidity, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially when combined with power outages and hazardous conditions.

Common signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke include:

• Heavy sweating or, in severe cases, no sweating at all
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion or disorientation

When to Seek Medical Help During Severe Summer Weather

If you or a loved one experiences any of the following symptoms during a summer storm, seek immediate medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Confusion or loss of consciousness
• Severe injuries, including deep wounds or broken bones
• Signs of heat stroke
• Illness following exposure to contaminated floodwater

Discover 24/7 Trusted Care — Even During Extreme Summer Storms

When severe weather puts your health at risk, don’t wait to get care. At Tulsa ER & Hospital, our dedicated medical team is available 24/7 to treat summer storm-related injuries, heat-related illnesses, and emergencies quickly and safely.

If you or a loved one experiences symptoms related to extreme weather, our facility is always open, no matter the weather conditions, to provide prompt, expert care when it matters most. With on-site laboratory and imaging services, all your care is conveniently available in one location.

Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Tulsa ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.