MEMPHIS, Tenn. — While many in the Mid-South sought relief in the air-conditioned indoors Wednesday, others had no choice but to work outside in the heat.
The WREG weather office reported Wednesday was the hottest day so far this year.
“I feel like I’m getting fried on each side,” said Ronnie Martin, who works in maintenance for an apartment complex.
Martin said he gets to take indoor, air-conditioned breaks every 45 minutes or so.
“I got sunburn on my face, sunburn on my neck. Anywhere that can burn is burned right now,” Martin said.
Wednesday’s heat was severe enough that the Memphis Fire Department said it transported at least three people for heat-related problems.
WREG visited several people who have to beat the heat outside on the job.
“We get in the shade, and we take a break, drink a little water, cool off for a few minutes,” said Stan Ballard who works in construction.
He said he and his co-workers have been taking more frequent water breaks.
“We got deadlines to make, so we can’t stop. We’ve got to keep going,” Ballard said.
“I feel for the construction workers more than myself really,” said Archimania Intern Architect Will Randolph.
Randolph spent Wednesday on site-visits to his projects.
He said he is using the same play as the others to beat the heat.
“Drink lots of water. I go throw water on my face when I get back. I bring a change of clothes,” Randolph said.
WREG’s weather office projected that Thursday’s heat could be even worse.
“I’m worried. The summer started off so nice. I don’t know what happened to us,” Randolph said.
MFD told WREG that people who have to go outside should dress in loose, light-colored clothing.
If possible, MFD recommended avoiding outdoor work at the peak hours of the day.
