Extreme heat affecting Boone County Fair workers, attendees

Mid-Missouri’s scorching hot temperatures are arriving just in time for the Boone County Fair.

The extreme heat can be dangerous–particularly for those who may be working outside–so it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety.

ABC 17 News crews traveled to the Sturgeon Fairgrounds to speak with workers and find out what they’re doing to avoid heat-related illness.

“You can’t take the weather for granted and you gotta do what you gotta do to respect it…make sure you drink plenty of water. Get plenty of potassium, plenty of salt. Make sure your nutrients are up,” Scott Smith, a Boone County Fair worker tells us.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says workers who are new to the job are the most susceptible to heat-related illness. In fact, during a 2005 study of 25 workers with heat-related illness, 80 percent had been on the job for four days or less.

The Boone County Fair is also taking precautions to protect its attendees. Fair Board President Jeff Cook says Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and the Boone County Fire Protection District will be monitoring the fairgrounds. There will also be plenty of water to purchase–or you can bring your own.

“We will have crews there,” Gale Blomenkamp, Assistant Fire Chief with the Boone County Fire Protection District tells ABC 17 News. “People just need to remember to re-hydrate with water and maybe a sports drink. But try to avoid caffeine and heavy meals because you’re body will create it’s own heat trying to digest that.”

The Boone County Fair officially begins tomorrow, and events will take place through Saturday night. Here’s a list to the full schedule. Stay hydrated!