As Temperatures Hit 101 Degrees, Workers Sweat it Out

Tuesday, July 6: 96° F. Feels like: 99° F. High of 101° F.

For most of us, that usually means one of two things: beach or air-conditioning. For a lot of other people -- especially those who make their living working outdoors -- it just means it's going to be a hot, hot day.

Not surprisingly, the recent heat wave that has hit the eastern part of the United States has not been good news for a lot of area professionals. With what seems like more construction, repaving, and rebuilding underway now than at any other time in the year, workers especially are feeling the heat, literally.

"It's pretty horrible," said plumber Paul Martini. "Today especially is horrible. Ten degrees less and no humidity is a lot better. You just have to make sure you drink a lot of water. You'll die out here."

In conditions like these, water seems to be the best and only way of coping. A change of clothes can also offer a brief moment of comfort.

"There was another day this summer that was bad but this has to be the worst one," said utility worker Carlos Maeallon. "I'm going through a lot of shirts right now. You just have to drink water all day."

Construction and utility workers aren't the only ones suffering because of the heat wave, however. Countless other jobs are made more uncomfortable and complicated by the rising temperatures. Some, like postman Hasson Barry, like to tackle the weather with a glass-half-full attitude, even when there isn't always a glass of water to enjoy.

"It's going to be a beautiful task," Barry said about working in one-hundred plus degree weather. "It'll be our Death Valley, but we'll make it through."

So what's the postman's advice for beating the heat? Simple – pace yourself, and don't be afraid to take a timeout.

"When you need to take a rest, when you need a minute, take it," Barry said. "And then come back to it."

The Westchester County Department of Health has even launched a "Beat the Heat" campaign to help area residents cope with the recent heat spell, offering a "Stay Cool Hotline," as well as tips for protecting yourself against the Sun and heat-related illnesses and "Stay Cool Locations."

One group of workers paying strict attention to heat and sun-related guidelines this summer is camp counselors, not as much for themselves as for the children they supervise. Of course, camp directors and counselors don't have to get too creative when trying to find a way to keep campers cool.

"It's not been too much of a problem," said Rye Brook Day Camp counselor Ian Priven, as he watched campers run through a couple of sprinklers. "The kids have fun running around in the sun. You just have to keep them cool. It's all about hydration; water, water, water."

For outdoor workers, the good news is temperatures probably won't hit the triple digits again for at least a couple of weeks -- even though highs in the mid-90s are forecast for the next few days. The bad news is, there's a good chance the mercury will hit the 100-degree mark again before summer's end, and for most workers, running through sprinklers probably won't be an option.