Extreme measures to beat extreme heat

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By Audrey Barnes, @AudreyFox5DC - bio

WASHINGTON -

The record-shattering heat is causing people in our area to take extreme measures, whether they are outside to work or to play.

There are few jobs more challenging in the searing heat then having to spread hot tar and make road repairs. Some of one crew on Wisconsin Avenue actually bailed and went home early. Others did what they could to stay hydrated.

"We've got plenty of water," a worker says.

Bernardo Creamer's family from Colombia, South America is determined to see Washington D.C., no matter how extreme the temperature.

"It's 80 degrees in Colombia and 102 here. This is like an oven. It's really hot," Creamer says.

Health officials are advising anyone who has to be outside to get out of the sun as often as possible, to wear light colored, loose fitting clothing and to drink plenty of fluids.

"It's hot out here so we brought our daughter out to play in the fountain and get rid of some of that heat," Allen Isaac says.

Hot and sweaty kids and adults were drawn to the fountain in Georgetown like moths to a flame.

Bill Maggi strayed from the bike path and rode right into it.

"The difference between the heat and the humidity and the cool water was really nice," Maggi says.

D.C. officials are extending the hours at some pools to help you cool off. They are also dispatching some special vans to patrol the area, looking for people suffering from the heat and taking them to cooling centers.