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Scorching South Florida heat has workers seeking relief

'August is the worst,' mail carrier says

Tuesday was another scorching summer day in South Florida. The heat and humidity are even testing the Florida natives who are outside working in the heat.

By: Matt Sczesny

Posted at 3:44 PM, Jul 12, 2022

and last updated 2022-07-12 18:15:19-04

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Tuesday was another scorching summer day in South Florida. The heat and humidity are even testing the Florida natives who are outside working in the heat.

Sean, a mail carrier in Palm Beach County who is originally from Boston, said he drinks more than a gallon a water a day when the heat index is about 100 degrees.

"Drink lots of water and hopefully there's a breeze," he said.

A breeze offers a short burst of relief on a day when oppressive doesn't even seem to describe the situation.

Mail carrier discusses working in the heat, July 12, 2022 — Sean, a U.S. Postal Service worker, says the worst heat is still ahead before summer ends.

Anyone who is working outside during the summer has their ways to beat the heat, like seeking shade during a break and finding a cold drink.

The CDC recommends outdoor workers in the heat drink at least 8 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes while they are outside working under the sun.

"Shade [and] lots of fluids. You have to keep fluids in you," contractor John McMillian said. "Mostly water, electrolytes because you sweat so much because of the humidity and got to find the best way to cool off."

McMillian, who lives in Miami, is currently working on a house under construction in West Palm Beach.

Contractor John McMillian speaks about working in the heat, July 12, 2022 — Contractor John McMillian discusses what he does to beat the South Florida heat during the summer.

"If you're in the sun too much, your body will overheat and you have to cool it down," McMillian said. "You have to keep something on your head to make sure you're protected."

Hot days like Tuesday can even test long-time Florida residents, who know how hot it can get.

"I like to make sure my guys are always staying hydrated," Connor Zerilla, a foreman at the house construction site said. "Either drinking water or Gatorade, electrolytes anything like that, protecting themselves, wearing sunscreen, taking breaks in the shade."

Sean the mail carrier said when it comes to heat, we haven't seen anything yet.

"It's coming. August is the worst," Sean said.

SB 732, a heat illness prevention bill, was considered in Tallahassee this year, calling for supervisors to identify heat illness and provide first aid. However, that bill was not passed, failing in March.