SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Nothing stops construction season in Central New York, not even historic smoke and heat.
When Canadian wildfires and record-breaking highs swept into Syracuse last week, the city’s many outdoor employees may have expected to head back inside.
But for groundskeeper Ryan Crouch, avoiding the smoke simply wasn’t an option.
“I thought we might get the day off,” he said. “You just have to push through.”
Crouch expressed concern for coworkers with health issues who struggled more with the conditions and said he hoped for half days during subsequent weather events.
Elsewhere, construction worker Lamarcus Lavender had a plan in place for last week’s heat.
“I wet my T-shirt, get some cold water and don’t over-exert myself,” he said.
Lavender stressed the importance of staying healthy and safe for future wildfires and said he will wear a mask going forward.
“You want to go home the same way you left home,” he said.
Medical experts recommend staying indoors and avoiding strenuous activity during smoke outbreaks, which can worsen preexisting health conditions.
Construction workers brave elements during historic weather week
Eli Senzel: The familiar sounds of Syracuse’s construction season can be heard all summer. Last week, they were drenched in a haze of smoke.
Lamarcus Lavender: That was excruciating!
Senzel: That’s construction worker Lamarcus Lavender. He works outside, but during the city’s recent historic weather, it’s taken some extra creativity.
Lavender: I wet my T-shirt, put it on, get me some cold water, and get me a shady spot. I don’t over
exert myself.
Senzel: Though Lavender’s tricks are effective, groundskeeper Ryan Crouch says there is no way to fully avoid the smoke. Crouch also expressed concern for colleagues with health issues and is surprised that work has continued as usual.
Ryan Crouch: I thought maybe we’d get the day off, to be honest, when it was that bad.
Senzel: With more wildfire smoke and heat waves seeming inevitable, Lavender stresses that health should always be the number one goal.
Lavender: Just try to stay safe… you want to go home the same way you left home.
Senzel: Eli Senzel, NCC News, Syracuse.