Beating the heat during this week’s triple digit heat index

Beating the heat this week is going to be a struggle. The heat index is going to soar mid-week. Many of us will avoid the humidity and heat by hiding inside for the much of the day, but there are those who have to be out in it.

Jamel Joyner picks up an estimated 4,000 bags of trash a day. It’s a strenuous job and with the heat blanketing mid-Missouri, it can even be dangerous.

“I’m tired, but like I said, I know how to bounce back and know how to do the things during the route to keep me from over heating,” said Jamel Joyner, trash collector for Columbia.

The heat index will creep into the triple digits mid-week, meaning mid-Missouri is going to see high temperatures and humidity. People working outside are going to have trouble beating it.

“With folks that have to be out in the heat, that have to labor. So, frequent breaks, you know that’s really going to be the thing. Your going to have to take these breaks as often as you can,” said John McNeely, an RN with University of Missouri Hospital.

McNeely said anyone out in this heat needs to play is safe — even walking around downtown can become dangerous. He recommends to stay in the shade, taking frequent breaks in a cool area and staying hydrated.

A few signs of heat exhaustion are dizziness, fatigue and pale skin. McNeely said to call 911 if someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion.