Dog days of summer make an appearance, keeping cooler more difficult
As the mercury and humidity level race each other upward, keeping cool becomes both more difficult and imperative.
Working outside during a punishing stretch of summer is not for everyone, and those who can take the heat have ways of protecting themselves from the perils of the sun and thermometer.
Mandy Wolford, a Butler Post Office mail carrier, walks 10 to 17 miles per day in Butler and Butler Township.
At this time of year, all carriers have to cover parts of their vacationing coworkers’ routes in addition to their own.
On Thursday, Wolford pounded the pavement on the West End to cover for a vacationing carrier in addition to delivering to her regular mailboxes in the city and township.
“You have to stay hydrated,” she said. “I drink two gallons of water per day.”
Wolford had loosened her official postal shirt and tied a sweatband around her head, which sported a high ponytail.
Luckily, the post office issues shorts for its carriers.
“Hot, humid days like this are brutal,” Wolford said. “You go home and you want to sit down, but if you do, you won’t get your housework done.”
She appreciates her caring customers, many of whom show their kindness on very hot, humid days.
“You just don’t know how much it’s appreciated when there’s a cold bottle of water or Gatorade on the porch for me,” Wolford said. “It makes my day.”
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