Surviving the heat

The excessive heat warnings issued last week didn’t keep people from being outdoors.

            For many people in the area, staying inside all day to escape danger isn’t an option, especially for those who make their living outside.

            Steve Captain, owner of Caps’ Lawn Care, works outside 10 hours a day cutting grass. He said he takes every precaution to avoid heat-related illnesses. He wears a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and protective clothing. He always carries around a 5-gallon bottle of ice water and drinks Gatorade because it has electrolytes.

            “It’s still better than sitting behind a desk all day,” Captain joked. “I’ve lost 20 pounds since the beginning of the year.” When excessive heat advisories are in effect, Captain suspends all extra maintenance jobs like hedge trimming and landscaping because it’s too dangerous.

For more on this website, see the Aug. 11 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.