The heat burst starting Friday and continuing through the weekend prompted the National Weather Service to take an unusual step.
When it announced heat advisories for Lyon and all surrounding counties from noon Friday to 8 pm Saturday, the Weather Service referenced guidelines from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, saying people who have to work outdoors need to schedule frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
This is the third heat wave for the area this summer, and Emporia Public Works employees start taking extra precautions when temperatures get above 90 degrees. Here’s Solid Waste Supervisor Keith Senn:
Senn says the workers get tired quicker in the oppressive heat but are generally doing well.
Summer 2020 has already seen a lot of small-scale water line breaks and continues work patching potholes. The Solid Waste Department is still seeing increased trash pickups now four months after the coronavirus pandemic started in March. Trash collections are approaching 100 tons per month and recycled cardboard is now at or above 70 tons a month.
