The Tulsa Weather Coalition is an innovative initiative designed to prevent death or worsening of health problems among frail, elderly and other medically fragile people during the extreme heat of Tulsa’s summers. Our mission is to reduce loss of life and costly hospitalizations caused by the extreme temperatures and humidity of summer. The Coalition began in 1980 following the death of many Tulsans from heat related illnesses. Heat is Oklahoma’s most life threatening weather event! Heat Alerts issued by EMSA and Heat Advisories issued by the National Weather Service in Tulsa are also part of coordinated efforts to save lives and reduce related hospitalizations.
To receive an air-conditioner, individuals must meet all of the following residency, income, mobility and medical criteria and complete an application with Tulsa Weather Coalition staff:
Fact SheetAir Conditioner Application Installation Agreement Landlord/Homeowner Permission Form
Frail and seriously ill Tulsans, at-risk of hospitalization or death from heat related illnesses, receive home visits, extensive education about dealing with life-threatening heat and other conditions, and, if eligible, are given a room-sized air conditioner. This combined effort between CSC, Mental Health Association Oklahoma, the City of Tulsa, Tulsa Health Department and the Emergency Medical Services Authority, results in lower hospitalization and death rates from heat-related illnesses.
We aim to prevent heat related deaths and illnesses through public education and by providing room size air conditioners to low-income, seriously ill persons. Households which meet health and income criteria may receive a window air conditioning unit. Most recipients have limited mobility and are low-income. Medical criteria include congestive heart failure, emphysema, renal dialysis treatment, burns, HIV/AIDS, and other serious illnesses. Community Service Council’s 211 Eastern Oklahoma coordinates the work and receives the requests for assistance.
A 211 Eastern Oklahoma Service Specialist will answer your call and those who meet pre-screening criteria will be referred to the Weather Coalition for an eligibility assessment. 211 Eastern Oklahoma and the Tulsa Weather Coalition are both programs of the Community Service Council.