Safety Patrols Boosted to Help Travelers During Heat Wave
Scorching heat is in store across the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and crews are taking extra precautions to keep themselves – and travelers – safe.
It’s the first the first heat wave of the season, and it’s going to be a long one with temperatures soaring into the 90s through the weekend.
“When you get above a 100-degree heat index, it doesn’t take long for heat stroke,” PA Turnpike Manager of Maintenance and Field Operations Todd Tilson said. “We’re making sure our workers are as safe as possible.”
Through the week, Tilson said Maintenance crews will be limiting their labor-intensive assignments, finishing those outdoor jobs by 11 a.m. when the heat starts to settle in. That’s when crews will increase the number of Safety Patrol trucks continuously riding the system to watch for customers in need of help.
“They’ll carry ice and bottled water with them to distribute as needed,” Tilson said. “If a customers’ vehicle is broken down, we’ll sit with them and give them air conditioning, or if they’re waiting for someone to pick them up, we can take them to the next service plaza – whatever is needed.”
Crews will take turns on Safety Patrol duty, returning to the shed periodically for breaks in air conditioning.
Maintenance crews always keep an eye on extreme weather events like this, but everyone should take a few extra precautions this week.
“Essentially, we’re encouraging scheduling outdoor work during the hours of the early morning when the temperatures are lower,” Human Resources Program Manager for Employee Safety Kathy Brilla said. “Our employees working outdoors are the highest-risk group, and we encourage them to take frequent breaks and drink water.”
Drink as much as 8 ounces of water every 15 minutes when working outdoors, Brilla added.
She said these extreme temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, which comes with symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fainting, weakness, clammy skin, and mood changes. Heat exhaustion can turn into the more dangerous and potentially deadly heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke include confusion, inability to think clearly, hot and dry skin with no sweat, convulsions and seizures.
Along with drinking water, all should wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
If someone is showing signs of heat-related illness, move that person to a cool, shaded area, loosen or remove heavy clothing, provide cool drinking water, fan the person and mist them with water. Call for emergency medical care if symptoms do not improve or signs of heat stroke such as inability to think clearly are present. Find out more about heat-related illness here.
And Tilson reminds crews to be conscious of the heat not just at work, but at home, too. Avoid cutting the grass this week, check on young children and pets – especially ensuring they’re not left in cars – and if you have elderly people in your life, be sure to check on them, as well, he said.
“These are the things that will help keep us going as a family of pros,” Tilson said. “Hopefully, we can use all of this to make it a better place at home and at work.”
By Steve Marroni, PA Turnpike Communications Specialist