North Carolina Department of Transportation construction crews are preparing to stay safe during the incoming heat wave this week.
High temperatures are expected to reach near 100 degrees Wednesday and peak at or above 100 degrees through the July Fourth weekend.
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If you've driven through the work zone like the one on Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh, you've probably seen crews working throughout the day.
Now -- with those high temperatures ahead -- NCDOT says you'll likely see crews working during the coolest times of the day.
During the upcoming high heat, NCDOT said they encourage workers to take more breaks than usual.
Crews will be wearing long sleeves with loose-fitting cotton and cooling bandanas to keep their body temperatures down.
NCDOT said sites have coolers for water, shade systems, misting fans and heat-stress response kits on hand.
They have a person at each site responsible for taking care of crews' needs.
"We're going to make sure our crews are seeing breaks, they're going to be encouraged to go into air conditioning and their car, any in the shade, and take extra breaks for water," NCDOT spokesperson Kim Deaner said.
If you have to work outside in the heat -- be sure to take breaks in the shade or air conditioning, hydrate with water and drinks including electrolytes, and take time to rest and recover.
Start preparing early
Dr. Kimberly Caulway, regional medical director of Duke Urgent Care in Wake County, said people need to start preparing now.
“Ahead of extreme stretches of heat like we are having, what you can do is ensure that there's plenty of access to fluids and that the air conditioning is functioning,” Caulway said.
Caulway advised people to check in on elderly neighbors to ensure they have enough fluids on hand as well.
Young children, older adults, and those with pre-existing medical conditions are most at risk for heat-related illnesses, in part because they may struggle to regulate their body temperature as easily. However, Caulway warned that temperatures this high pose a threat to everyone.
“The first concern is folks that have to work out in the heat and earn a living out in the heat,” Caulway said. “Getting behind on your fluids can be really sneaky. Prolonged exposure for even just an hour or two in the extreme heat from anywhere from 10 a.m. to almost 8 p.m. can be very dangerous.”