Hot jobs for summer

Steam, sparks and sweat. That's what you'll find at some of the hottest places to work in Cape Girardeau, where it's 20 degrees warmer in the shade.

A series of humid days with temperatures in the 90s have wilted the City of Roses, motivating those who work in its hottest jobs to do whatever they can to keep from dropping.

While many people can seek relief in the city's artificially cooled mall and movie theaters, others have no choice but to work in places where the temperatures are far above those outdoors.

While many consider outdoor jobs, such as construction, to be the least desirable in the heat, indoor jobs can be just as oppressive.

"There's no staying cool in here," said Bill Newell, owner of Newell's Automotive and Muffler at 144 S. Sprigg.

Surrounded by concrete and steel, his garage can be a heat magnet, he said. When customers bring in cars, more heat comes with them.

"They keep us swamped all day long," he said. "But the engines just have to cool down first before I can work on them."

He stepped outside and leaned on a car for support.

"This is how I get cool," he said, raising his arms in the breeze.

He drinks plenty of water but avoids the air-conditioned customer waiting room.

"I've got AC in the office, but that'll spoil you." Newell said. "Step in and out too much and it'll make you sick."

At St. Francis Medical Center, about six people have been treated for heat-related illnesses so far this summer, according to Mark Thompson of the marketing department. No one has been treated for the condition at Southeast Missouri Hospital, spokeswoman Sally Owen said.

Police officers suffer from heat on the job about as much as anyone else, Cape Girardeau Sgt. Rick Schmidt said.

"You're wearing a protective vest under polyester clothing that's a dark color, long socks, leather shoes and a 10- to 15-pound duty belt," he said. "It'a hard to keep cool, but we're used to it."

The doors and windows at Ken's Cape Cleaners at 1704 Broadway remain open all day during the summer months. Employees keep customers' clothes neat and tidy as they endure a day-long steam bath.

Standing amid the dozen blowing fans blowing, Teresa Zaudle tries to get through the day without feeling like she's going to melt onto her steam presser.

"When you have to wash your face five times a day, it's hot," she said. "It gets so hot in here sometimes that people don't even want to eat lunch."

The staff avoids heavy meals and drinks bottled water and energy drinks all day. They also drape wet towels around their necks so they can wipe off their faces easily.

Robin Robinson said she's become used to the heat that comes with the job but sometimes prays for more stamina.

"Today was pretty hot," she said hanging up a shirt. "I'd look up and say 'God, just get me through this.'"

mwells@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160