Meridian Public Works Department resumes full operations, discusses heat advisory precautions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjjJMvOuMcU

The City of Meridian Public Works Department has fully resumed operations after a COVID-19 scare of one of its employees announced in a press release last week. While getting back to work, employees must take caution of the heat temperatures continuing to rise daily.

Dizziness, extreme heavy sweats and muscle cramps are only a few symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Summers in the south never fail to bring heat temperatures that are completely dreadful. With this heat development in the midst of the pandemic, extra safety measures have to be taken.

“The fact they we are under some extreme heat conditions and fighting the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we are ensuring that our employees take frequent breaks,” says Public Safety Director Doug Stephens. “We still have to wear our masks and practice social distancing so that causes somewhat of a hindrance, but taking frequent breaks and being sure we’re hydrated properly is key.”

If workers become too hot, the department will of course provide medical attention if needed.

“Of course we would get them adequate medical care immediately and we would follow the guidelines of healthcare providers. Some people just get a little too hot. It may not get to the point of heat exhaustion or heat stroke and that’s just a simple sit down, cool off, take a cool rag and put around your neck and get some hydration in you and cool off.”

Stephens encourages individuals to monitor themselves and other during these extreme temperatures.