Did you ever wonder? How do KDOT crews stay cool?

On June 15, workers from Wellington and Hutchinson crews repaired a spot on U.S. 81 between South Haven and Caldwell. The job included a milling and overlay

For days in advance, the National Weather Service sent alerts warning people to prepare for a dangerous combination of heat and humidity on Thursday, June 10. And, of course, there have been and will be other days like that during the rest of the summer.So on a dangerously hot day, how do KDOT employees who have to work in the elements deal with the heat hazards? A common theme was - prevention is crucial. Here is what they shared about coping with the heat and humidity on June 10: 

Dennis Senters, Beloit Subarea Supervisor, District Two: “I made sure they (his crew) had their water with them” – meaning extra water. “You could tell it was the first big heat of the year,” Senters said. “And it was hard on ‘em. When they came in, their tongues were hanging out. I tell them: When you need a break, you take a break.” He also reminds his crew that some people can endure heat better than others, and not to assume that because you feel OK, your co-worker does as well. “We got a great crew in Beloit. We keep a close eye on each other.” 

Daryl Dougherty, Engineering Technician, Phillipsburg Construction Office, District Three: His June 10 work schedule centered around inspecting a grading project north of Osborne on U.S. 24/281. Even with a breeze, at 2:24 p.m. the temperature where he was working was 94 degrees. But the “real feel,” factoring in the humidity, was 103 degrees, Dougherty noted. He had been in the heat for about six hours at that point, but he was making sure he stayed hydrated. “Every time I go back to the pickup, I make sure I drink a glass of water.”

Burke Koehn, Scott City Subarea Supervisor, District Six: Koehn tried to steer his crew to jobs where they could avoid the heat and sun that day. He noted that his area of southwestern Kansas had been unusually humid after weeks of regular rainfall. “The humidity is definitely something that makes it harder to cope with,” Koehn said.

Mike Lorett, Facilities Specialist, part of the District Five HVAC crew: “My biggest trick is a spray bottle of water.” He works outside in sweltering conditions so others can stay cool inside. So he sprays his face, head and neck -- sometimes every five minutes. “I spray my beard, and I call that my portable air-conditioning,” he said, laughing. “I’ve got a big ol’ hat, big ol’ brim on it. I don’t care what I look like -- I keep cool. You got to keep cool, and you got to keep hydrated.”

Dan Acridge, Wichita Area Crew Supervisor: Because of the extreme heat on June 10, Acridge had his crew finish painting stop bars by 2 p.m. “That’s enough -- they’ve been out in the heat all day,” he said. While they worked, he had them take breaks in an air-conditioned truck. “It was really humid this morning, and the humidity burned off a little.” Working directly over pavement intensifies the heat, Acridge noted. “Then, of course, we’re always working in teams so we can keep an eye on each other.”

Remember to slow down and pay attention in work zones and help our crews get their work done so they can make it home to their families.