Cooling Centers are a Shelter For Tulsans - KTUL.com - Tulsa, Oklahoma - News, Weather & Sports

Cooling Centers are a Shelter For Tulsans

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The summer heat has kept paramedics busy.

So far this summer EMSA has seen 127 heat related emergencies since June 1st. Nearly 100 were transported to the hospital.

Fortunately everyone has recovered.

But Channel 8s Kim Jackson found places that you can go to keep your cool and avoid an ambulance ride.

Anytime, anyone can come in the Salvation Army Center of Hope doors and get a drink of water. But if you need something more, like a place to sit down and chill out, there are places you can go.

The Salvation Army is a cooling center, for people who need it.

"I drink a lot of liquids and everything but still you need something more. You really need to get out of the heat," said Troy, a homeless man, staying at the Center of Hope.

It's hard to stay out of the heat when you are homeless, with no shelter to call your own. 

He explained, "I got my B.S. degree in business and 10 years ago. I worked in TV Guide. I was account administrator over satellite. I never thought ten years ago, I would be homeless, I'd have said you gotta be crazy."

The Salvation Army is open to those with or without a home. If you need to cool off, you can sit here in the lobby. There is security. There is company, sometimes.

But other Tulsans would rather cool off the old fashioned way. But in or out, we all need to stay hydrated.

"We've run out of bottled water. We were giving out bottled water to everyone that came in so they could refill the water and keep it with them," said Major Jim Taylor.

Taylor says the weather has put the heat on the Salvation Army budget. Keeping all the buildings cool, means huge electric bills.

"And so it makes it more difficult for us to run the center but we know that it's something we do for our neighbor because it is the right thing to do," he said.

It means a lot to Troy, who's looking for a job, even in the heat.

At the Salvation Army, they have books and movies. They are open 24 hours a day.

The following cooling stations are open for business until further notice:

 The Salvation Army Center of Hope

102 N. Denver Ave.

Tulsa, OK 74103

24/7

 

Tulsa County Social Services Cooling station

2401 Charles Page Blvd.

Tulsa OK 74127

8:30 am – 8:00 PM

 

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 East 4th Street

Tulsa, OK 74120

Noon to 9 PM 7-days a week 

Senior Nutrition sites throughout the Tulsa area are also available as Cooling Stations 

Dial 2-1-1 for locations, hours and other information.