With scorching temperatures this week, many of us get to stay inside where there’s air conditioning, but others aren’t so lucky.
If you have to be out in the elements, there are a few things you should do to help you stay safe.
The heat isn’t only uncomfortable for all of us, but it can also be dangerous for those who work outside.
"Temperature is above 90 and the relative humidity is above 60 percent. When that happens, you have to be on high alert that you could get sick," said Dr. Mike Museousky, Emergency Room Medical Director at Centerpoint Medical Center.
The main things to watch out for are symptoms of heat-related illnesses, especially if you have to be outside for an extended period of time.
"You're working outside, you're exercising, and next thing you know you start to have nausea, vomiting, weakness, muscle cramps. You know when that happens, it's time to get inside and get cooled off," said Museousky.
All signs of heat exhaustion can then lead to a heat stroke.
"You're confused, you don't know what's going on. You actually stop sweating and your body temperature just shoots through the roof," said Museousky.
That’s when you need to seek medical attention. To keep things from escalating so quickly, keeping cool and staying hydrated are key.
"You don't want to drink water when you start feeling thirsty because then it's too late. You need to really drink water throughout the day," said Museousky.
For everyone, it’s different. Your water intake will depend on your body and your activity. Museousky said the best way to stay hydrated is to drink until you’re full, but don’t overdo it.
"Now it is possible to drink too much water. If you're not sweating and you start drinking water, then you can actually become intoxicated with water," said Museousky.
The heat sickens thousands of workers every year and kills dozens. To prevent that, construction crews around the metro are working just as hard to keep cool.
"I try to encourage my crew to take plenty of breaks, lots of water. I kind of change up my schedule just a little bit so we're not doing the real heavy, strenuous stuff so the guys don't overheat," said Rick Looper, Highway Maintenance Supervisor for the Kansas Department of Transportation.
Looper said the heat may be unavoidable for his crews, but it doesn’t have to be intolerable.
"Most of our equipment has air conditioning, except for some of our tractors," said Looper.
While the sun pounding on the pavement maybe unbearable at times, Looper said it’s what they do.
"If I didn't have to, I wouldn't but you know, it's what we do, it's what we're paid to do," said Looper.
If you can’t get into the air conditioning, you can use a fan to help beat the heat, but Museousky said you should use a mister, or keep a cold towel around your neck.
