TUPD Emergency Manager warns students about heat

In the midst of a record-breaking heat wave, students around campus are struggling to stay cool. This heat can be dangerous, especially to those who don’t know how to avoid heat-related injury and illness.

Trey Ingram, Troy University Police Department’s (TUPD) emergency manager, said Troy’s biggest threat is the humidity.

“This area is very notorious for its hot temperatures and humidity, and this summer is particularly very hot,” Ingram said. “Our bodies cool themselves primarily through sweating.

“When the humidity is high, our sweat just doesn't evaporate adequately or efficiently enough, so our bodies have a harder time of getting rid of that heat.”

Ingram said knowing the signs of heat related illness and injury can prevent serious outcomes.

“The biggest concern is the dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and most seriously heat stroke,” Ingram said. “Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea and maybe fainting.

“Heat stroke is the more serious; it’s a medical emergency. It can make the person confused, they can collapse, have seizures. That's a medical emergency, and they should be treated immediately.”

Ingram said students need to look out for one another and take care of themselves.

“I think that the biggest thing I want everyone here to understand is that heat injuries and illnesses are preventable,” Ingram said. “There's no prize for pushing through it.

“You're not going to get a trophy or a ribbon or anything like that. Don't let your pride get in front of you on that one.

“Realize and pay attention to what your body's telling you. Stay hydrated, take your breaks, and look out for each other.”

For students who are outside during the hottest parts of the day, the heat is not only oppressive, but unavoidable.

“It has been extremely hot, especially this year,” said Julia Smith, Sound of the South (SOTS) section leader and junior elementary education major from Marbury, Alabama. “I feel like it has been hotter than previous years and the humidity level amplifies it.

“So many times during band camp, we would be out in the sun all morning. We'd get breaks to go inside, but since our field doesn't have any shade or anything, we're just always out in the sun, which makes the heat feel 10 times worse.”

While Smith said practicing in the heat prepares members for performances during football season, SOTS makes certain members take precautions to prevent heat related injuries and illnesses.

“The system that we use within the Sound of the South is that you need to participate up to your limit,” Smith said. “If anyone needs to take a break at any time, they're welcome to do that.

“We never force people to go beyond what they feel they can do. I've had several members of my section ask to go sit out for a minute and take some water and that's totally fine.

"Anyone can do that at any point in the rehearsal so that they're taking care of themselves physically and mentally.”

For other students, working outside is made bearable with accommodations.

John Pridgen, a junior sports management major from Fairhope, Alabama, works as a student videographer for the Troy football team. Pridgen helps film all the team’s practices and games.

“I work outside daily for three or more hours,” Pridgen said. “To help deal with the intense heat wave, I have been making sure to stay hydrated, as well as staying in the shade any chance I can.

“[Athletics staff] recently got fans that we set up so we constantly have some sort of air blowing on us to keep us cool.”

Pridgen reminds students to check the UV and heat indexes before they go outside, even if it’s cloudy, as well as to put on sunscreen.

Ingram encourages students to carry a water bottle, find shaded routes when walking around campus, take breaks and pay attention to their body’s warning signs. He also said if students see someone who is confused or has collapsed, call 911.