Working Outside In The Oklahoma Heat

The triple digit temperatures across Oklahoma are prompting warnings for everyone to be careful, especially those who have to get out and work in the blazing conditions. <br/><br/>News on 6 anchor Craig

Thursday, August 10th 2006, 10:07 am

By: News On 6

The triple digit temperatures across Oklahoma are prompting warnings for everyone to be careful, especially those who have to get out and work in the blazing conditions.

News on 6 anchor Craig Day says roofing a house is a tough enough job. But tough doesn't seem to do it justice when it hits 105 degrees. Maybe taxing, tiring, demanding or draining.

Since the heat is so intense, Roberto DeLeon and other workers drink lots and lots of water.

"It's hot enough even in 90 degree weather. Let alone when it gets up into the hundreds. It just seems to take a lot more out of you." Brian Rader with A and A Roofing says its critical his crew takes plenty of breaks and find some shade at least once each hour.

Direct sunlight and heat reflecting off of asphalt shingles can add 30 degrees to an already hot job. Many crews who have to work outside are trying to finish up before the intense heat of the day, but even our overnight lows are not getting all that low. So working in the morning or even in the overnight hours isn't providing much relief.

For now relief comes in the form of shade and although a breeze helps, it's no substitute for cooler weather. Brian Rader: "taking care of themselves is more important than doing this roof when itâ€™s 105 degrees outside. Because this job will be here tomorrow. We want to make sure they are here tomorrow."

Folks out in the heat should drink 8 ounces of water every 30 minutes and again a cool down time every hour. The elderly are most susceptible.

During this intense heat, all of us are at risk. The latest heat related fatality in Oklahoma was in his 30's.