As you may have noticed, the current Wednesday/Serve Day forecast is for 95 degrees, so it will be pretty hot (though we are hoping it won’t break our Serve Day record of 98 degrees!). This means that we need to be extra cautious on Serve Day again this year. The information in this e-mail is extremely important, so please read it carefully.
If needed, our Health and Counseling Center will be open all day and the nurse (Dana Ferrin) or nurse practitioner (Creagh Schoen) can be reached at 503-554-2340.
1) Know Your Limit: Do not push yourself too hard this Wednesday. It is vital that you take regular rest breaks in shaded locations. The risk of heat stroke and heat-related fatigue are definite possibilities if you don’t pay attention to your body, and we would rather you take breaks every 10-15 minutes even if it means you are not able to “accomplish” as much on your assigned task. It is also important to care for fellow team members to make sure they aren’t working too hard in the heat.
2) Plenty of Water: All sites should have plenty of water, and we will be able to bring additional water if needed. DO NOT allow yourself or fellow team members to get dehydrated . . . drink water even when you think you are doing fine (every 15-45 minutes depending on the heat level). Regular water/rest breaks are a mandatory part of the day! We also suggest that you bring water bottles for yourself if you have them.
3) Sunscreen and clothing: Each team will be sent with sunscreen, but you may want to bring additional sunscreen as well and make sure you are actually using it and reapplying it throughout the day. We also strongly suggest sunglasses, hats, and light clothing that keeps people covered.
4) Lack of Shade/Early Return: If you are working at a site where there is not adequate shade, your team leader and safety leader will make the call as to whether you should return to campus early to avoid the worst heat of the day. Obviously, if at any point someone needs to return early we will accommodate that need.
5) Bees: Depending on the site, bees can be an issues to be aware of. If you have a known allergy to bee stings, please bring your Epi Pen with you to your serve site. Also, please talk to your team leader so that you can have an assignment with less chance of contact with bees. One suggestion for everyone is to avoid wearing lotions, perfumes or hair products, since bees are attracted to “sweet” odors. Wearing neutral beige, cream or white T-shirts will be less attractive to bees (vs. a red, purple or floral shirt). For more information and what to do if you are stung by a bee, go to this page.
6) Health Concerns: If you are concerned about your health and safety because of the heat and the location you have been assigned, please contact us at serveday@georgefox.edu as soon as possible for reassignment. This is especially true if you are taking medication that does not react well with the heat or have specific health-related concerns. If someone starts feeling ill because of the heat, get them to a shaded or air-conditioned area and make sure they drink plenty of water and rest. They should also be brought back to campus if necessary.
7) Assistance/Emergencies: Your team leaders have phone numbers to get extra assistance if needed so check with them if you have questions or concerns. Campus Security will be available all day as well at 503-554-2090. Of course, use 9-1-1 in a true emergency.
Again, please pay attending to all of these suggestions related to heat and bees as well as general safety. Obviously, the safety of our students and employees is our most important priority so please look out for one another as we anticipate a great Serve Day!
Blessings,
Brad Lau,
Student Life
