Hottest Day Of The Week Forces Farmworkers, Students To Take Extra Precautions

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - Farmworkers and students in the Santa Maria Valley had to take additional precautions on the hottest day of the week.

Strategies included agricultural workers being encouraged to pace themselves or moving school activities indoors.

Farmworkers make up one of the highest risk populations for heat related dangers, and must take extra steps on peak heat days to protect themselves.

Strategies include extra hydration with water and beverages that provide electrolytes, maximizing break time in the shade, and pacing themselves when necessary.

Similarly, schools in Santa Maria have moved lunch hours and P.E. classes indoors due to the heat, as a preemptive measure for their students.

While temperatures are expected to cool as the weekend approaches, officials and leaders say safety is a top priority for both populations and the risks presented by high heat are treated seriously.

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