How Cape Girardeau public workers are beating the heat
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)– As heat continues throughout the region, city workers and local organizations are taking extra steps to stay safe and support those in need.
City crews in Cape Girardeau are adjusting their work schedules to avoid as much of the summer heat as possible. Assistant Public Works Director Brock Davis said the department changed their hours to come in earlier to protect outdoor workers from the rising midday temperatures.
“Once it got hot, the crews, they come in at 6 a.m. and they leave at 2:30 p.m. That gets them out of the heat, at least most of the day,” Davis says. “Even though it’s still hot at 6 a.m., they’re doing that and taking a little more breaks than normal, drinking more water than normal, and just kind of minding it, taking it easy.”
Despite the intense conditions, Davis says the workload has stayed the same, continuing to help benefit the city.
“We’re really not doing anything less. We’re still doing the same tasks we always do, filling in potholes, clearing tree limbs, working on alleyways and whatever else comes up,” he said.
To avoid heat related illnesses, Davis says his team is drinking much more water, and taking more breaks when needed.
“They’re just taking a little more breaks. It may take a little longer, pacing themselves,” he says. “If they feel like they’re getting overheated or faint, they jump in a truck or, if there’s a public building close, they’ll go in there to cool off.”
As city crews manage the heat while keeping Cape Girardeau running, the Salvation Army is also offering relief to residents seeking a place to stay cool.
“So we have our building open during the day from 9 to 4,” said Captain Lily Reinier. “People are able to come in and get showers. Sometimes we have snacks available, water, and they can just kind of hang out in our lobby throughout the day.”
Reinier said the daytime cooling center can provide life changing relief, especially for those without consistent access to cool air.
