Working Outside Air Conditioning: Working Outdoors in the Heatwave
Save Email Print
Bookmark and Share
Updated: 10:56 AM Jul 21, 2011
Working Outside Air Conditioning: Working Outdoors in the Heatwave
With temperatures reaching up to a hundred degrees two days in a row, staying out in the heat can be a dangerous proposition. But for some it can't be avoided.
Posted: 4:37 PM Jul 20, 2011
Reporter: Alex Nowak
width:320 and height: 240 and picwidth: 213 and pciheight: 159
Font Size:

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- With temperatures reaching up to a hundred degrees two days in a row, staying out in the heat can be a dangerous proposition. But for some it can't be avoided.

"It’s too hot," Jeff Phelps said.

Phelps hauls waste containers for Rock Disposal and says in hot weather staying cool is a constant goal.

“All I can say is, thank God for air conditioned trucks," he said.

Much of his time is spent inside the truck driving, but when he gets into the heat he definitely feels it.

"It drains you. We're trying to drink plenty of water and keep hydrated and trying to pace ourselves to stay as cool as we can, I guess."

As a garbage collector for Rock River Disposal, Chad Houtz is outside for hours at a time as the temperatures rise.

Houtz said, "For some reason it gets a little heavier for garbage when it gets hot out. But, you learn to deal with it, and just take care of yourself."

Heat this intense can be extremely dangerous, especially if you're not prepared for it.

"Six weeks ago, we had that first 90 degree day, and body wasn't used to it. Started cramping up a little bit."

Despite dramatic temperatures, both Phelps and Houtz agree that they'd rather work in the summer than the winter.

"It's better than driving on icy roads, so the heat you can deal because you can find a shade tree or something to get out of the heat. The ice you can't avoid."

Houtz says the thanks he gets from customers and even cold water and snacks sometimes makes it all worth it.

In addition to drinking lots of water, experts urge you to take frequent short breaks to beat the heat.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Karen Location: Belvidere on Jul 20, 2011 at 06:09 PM

I think it is time to design if not already designed, Air Conditioned Suits for hard outside workers. Just too hot... or have a pool of water and plenty of sunscreen lotion. God bless hard working outside workers today. Start early if it is cool and break when too hot start again at hour when it is cool enough. It's Bad enough with no air conditioning in some homes. God Bless Everyone!
More Stories



FAMILY DISASTER PLAN
Families should be prepared for all hazards that could affect their area. NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American Red Cross urge every family to develop a family disaster plan. Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere at work, at school, or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe? Disaster may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services water, gas, electricity, or telephones were cut off?

Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan...

  • Gather information about hazards.
    Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency management office, and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans.

  • Meet with your family to create a plan.
    Discuss the information you have gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your family check-in contact for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.

  • Implement your plan.
    (1) Post emergency telephone numbers by phones;(2) Install safety features in your house, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers; (3) Inspect your home for potential hazards (such as items that can move, fall, break, or catch fire) and correct them; (4) Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home; (5) Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number; (6) Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car.

  • A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT SHOULD INCLUDE: A 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil one change of clothing and footwear per person one blanket or sleeping bag per person a first aid kit, including prescription medicines emergency tools, including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries an extra set of car keys and a credit card or cash special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.

  • Practice and maintain your plan. Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries two times each year. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace stored water and food every 6 months. Contact your local National Weather Service office, American Red Cross chapter, or local office of emergency management for a copy of “Your Family Disaster Plan” (L-191/ARC4466).