The heat is on and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon, meaning hydration and proper precautions will be of the utmost importance the next several days.
This is especially true for employees of Emporia’s Public Works Department, according to Director Dean Grant, who tells KVOE News the department does a lot of preparation and planning work each week to make sure they are preparing their staff for what’s coming weather-wise.
The biggest message given to employees is to make sure they are and stay properly hydrated throughout the work day. On top of that, Grant says the department takes steps to ensure employees have ample sources of hydration available throughout the day.
Given the ongoing heatwave is expected to last well into the coming week, KVOE News asked if the conditions would have any impact on the public works schedule in the coming days. He says it is not “out of the realm of possibility.” However, at this time, they do not plan to make any schedule alterations.
The current forecast is calling for temperatures in the upper 90s through the remainder of this week, with air temps between 96-99 through the weekend and heat indexes at or above 100. Those conditions will continue through midweek of next week with the National Weather Service anticipating air temps at or above 100 by Tuesday.
Just like the public works department, residents are reminded to take necessary precautions to keep themselves as cool as possible throughout the duration of the ongoing heatwave. In addition to hydrating, individuals are encouraged to wear light, loose-fitting clothing, take regular breaks in shade or air conditioning if outdoors and to move more strenuous activities to the early morning or evening hours if possible.
