Schools take precautions to protect student athletes, marching band members from heat
Despite the triple-digit temperatures, student athletes and marching band students around the area are still going full steam ahead with their practices.
Football season is in full swing, and with it comes the need for preparation for game day.
Schools are preparing for the heat by taking precautions, including bringing ice packs, drinking plenty of water, wearing proper clothing and taking plenty of breaks.
Musicians can only use the practice field during the week in the afternoons.
"There are other groups that use the field, athletics, intramural, etc.," said Dr. Paul Garcia, director of bands. "This is a shared space, and this is class time."
Garcia dedicates part of class time to ensuring the safety of their ensemble while practicing in the heat.
"We warmed up in the shade," Garcia said. "We did as much as we could in the shade and took copious water breaks."
A sea of water bottles lined the sidelines, and students took numerous water breaks with ice packs on hand.
"[I] made a point today to make sure we got breaks every 15 minutes to make sure everyone's staying hydrated and cool," said Jeb Mason, a freshman at NC State and marching band member.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Superintendent Andy Jenks said the district is considering postponing or delaying after-school activities, if the weather warrants it.
"We're doing everything we can to be proactive to make sure we don't put any student or staff member in harm's way," Jenks said.
Shaw University's marching band fine-tuned its performance during the evening hours.
WRAL Meteorologist Mike Maze said outdoor practices are generally best as the sunsets or in the morning.
"Generally between 11 a.m. to about 4 to 5 p.m. is when you'll have worst heating of the day," Maze said.
Due to the ongoing heat wave and lack of working air conditioning, Apex Friendship High School will once again dismiss students early on Thursday as a safety precaution.
