Employees, students try to escape the heat

Alabama heat threatens more than just the plants baking in the sun; it poses a danger for UA employees and students who spend their days outside.

Temperatures exceeding 90 degrees have been the norm in recent weeks, making certain safety precautions a necessity to keep workers and students safe.

Duane Lamb, director of landscape and grounds services, said before employees start working each day, they have a daily briefing on precautions they must take to stay safe in the heat. A normal workday for grounds workers starts at 6 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m.

Lamb said he or one of his assistant managers reminds the workers to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Five-gallon coolers of water and Gatorade are stationed on all the work crew trucks.

He also said the workers have a buddy system, with team members looking out for each other.

"If someone sees another crew member who looks like the heat is affecting them negatively, they are to stop working and get them medical assistance at once," Lamb said.

The crews also take plenty of rest breaks in the shade and eat lunch in an air-conditioned break room.

Lamb said employees are encouraged to do most of the manual labor before noon and concentrate on paperwork in the afternoon.

Skin protection is another priority for employees spending long hours outside. He said employees are reminded daily to wear hats, scarves and sun block to protect against sunburn.

Heat concerns have also been raised over the start of intramural sports next week.

George Brown, executive director of University Recreation, said the heat has not dramatically impacted the intramural sports program and said everything is on schedule so far.

"This is not the first time we've had a heat wave," Brown said. "We've become very optimistic with the temperatures cooling from the rain, but we're still watching the weather carefully."

The recent rain has provided a slight break from the scorching heat, lowering temperatures to the high 80s and low 90s.

Despite the heat Brown said the supervisors and athletic trainers are confident in their abilities and prepared for emergencies. Athletic trainers will be placed strategically around the fields and will be carry radios in case emergencies arise.

Brown said they are considering enforcing mandatory water breaks during flag football if the heat stays in the triple digits. He said, however, you can't force anyone to drink any water.

"We're hoping that if we add more water coolers around the fields, the students will be more likely to keep themselves hydrated," Brown said.