COBB COUNTY, GA — Metro Atlanta residents are finding different ways to handle the heat as the heat index reaches triple digits this week.
Some are choosing to stay indoors, while others continue exercising or have jobs that require them to work outside.
“We’re going to get the work in regardless of the heat these days, the more sweat the better,” one Cobb County resident said.
At Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw, residents were outside as the heat index reached 106.
“It’s super hot and I’m kind of regretting coming out here,” one resident said.
Austin Shoey of Marietta was at the park with his 3-year-old and described the heat as difficult to handle.
“It’s debilitating almost to even come out,” Shoey said.
Shoey, who works outside every day, said he knows when it is time to take a break.
“I’m about to go take a break, I’m sweating way too much, and I can tell that I’m getting to the point of heat exhaustion,” Shoey said.
Another resident who works for a moving company says being outside in the heat is part of his job.
“I work for a moving company, so when I’m at work, I’m out in this, and you just have to be mindful about how much you’re pushing yourself,” he said.
Residents also pointed to water, sunscreen and finding shade as ways they are dealing with the temperatures.
“I just put sunscreen on, and then I also make sure I drink a lot of water before to stay hydrated,” Aubrey of Kennesaw said.
People spending time outside are urged to drink plenty of water and watch for signs of possible heat exhaustion, including dizziness and extreme fatigue. Other precautions include wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing or staying inside in air conditioning.