OKLAHOMA CITY– After a whirlwind of a spring, officials say we are now feeling the effects of summer.

Officials with EMSA say they have received six heat-related emergencies as of 3 p.m. Thursday.

Those emergencies included heat cramps, heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Due to that number, EMSA has issued its first heat alert of the summer.

Authorities say everyone should use extreme caution when outside since temperatures are expected to make it hot and humid.

Experts say you should always pre-hydrate and drink plenty of water before being exposed to the summer heat.

Also, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if working outdoors and take plenty of shade breaks.

Some of the symptoms of a heat illness include:

OKLAHOMA CITY– When sifting through debris after a natural disaster, there are a few things that can be confusing.

FEMA officials want to clear those lingering questions.

First, survivors who are approved to receive disaster assistance funds don’t have to wait for a check to come in the mail.

People who have bank accounts can choose to have the funds deposited electronically, but it may require one more step when registering.

Specialists are available at disaster recovery centers to help victims with electronic funds transfer and other steps in the process of filing claims.

Those disaster recovery centers are found at the following locations:

OKLAHOMA CITY– Many storm victims are waiting to hear from the federal government on whether or not they will receive assistance for the latest round of severe weather that crossed our state.

So far, Washington has already handed out more than $5.3 million to tornado victims.

Tuesday morning, Gov. Mary Fallin asked for the disaster declaration to be extended.

The current declaration was issued for properties damaged through May 20 for damage occurring in Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties.

However, the extension would include the latest round of tornadoes, flooding and straight-line winds that occurred between May 28 and June 2.

It would also add Canadian County to the list of affected areas.

Officials say more than 538 homes and businesses were impacted by storms during that week.