By MIKE KRAFCIK
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) – People working outdoors in Knoxville face dangerous situations as the heat wave drives temperatures into the triple digits.
Emergency workers said Thursday they haven't responded to any heat-related calls so far, but that could change.
Despite a new record temperature of 101 degrees Thursday, landscapers, construction crews and others were hard at work outside.
Zeke Sherrod was doing landscape work at a home in West Knoxville and it was business as usual.
"I've lived in Las Vegas for a year, and came back about a month ago. It's hot, but it's not too bad," said Sherrod, with Integrity Landscaper.
To keep cool, Sherrod said he brings plenty of water to his work site. "I usually bring about six liters of water, frozen. That way they stay cold all day. I also wear sunscreen," he said.
Others we caught up with were keeping hydrated, too. Even those who weren't working under the hot sun.
Shancè Holder, a University of Tennessee student had a backpack double loaded with water bottles. "I drank two at lunch, I got two more left, I'm doing pretty good," he said.
Workers were busy at some of the area's biggest construction projects, including Northshore Shopping Center and UT, where various campus improvement projects continue.
"Especially with all these construction projects. We're having to take more roundabout ways to get there. Everywhere we go, you're just baking in the sun," said UT student Taylor Fewell.
Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the U.S., resulting in hundreds of deaths each year.
Experts say on average, excessive heat claims more lives per year than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined.
"I usually bring about six liters of water, frozen. That way they stay cold all day. I also wear sunscreen," Zeke Sherrod said.
