Multimedia Reports: Workers beat the heat in Phoenix

Multimedia Report by Debbie Aughey, Jeff Fencl and Lynne Schneider

It’s no surprise to the people who have jobs outdoors here that Phoenix has been designated the hottest city in America.

Charlie McCoy, who services parking meters in downtown Phoenix, hails from East Texas and finds East Texas worse.

“When you step outside, it’s not good,” McCoy said of the East Texas humidity he left behind.

McCoy and his co-worker Frank, repairing a broken meter for the City of Phoenix, said they just don’t work when it’s too hot.

“We beat the heat,” McCoy said.

Both men said they wish they could get started at 6 a.m. like other departments do. McCoy said hydration is vital.

“You got to keep up your water. No matter what else you drink, you have to drink water,” McCoy said.

John, 47, who came to Phoenix from Missouri seeking construction work, said staying in the shade is a good way to stay cool in Arizona. The city bench he sat on was shielded from direct sunlight by a large canopy tree. He’s been here for three months.

“The hottest it’s been is 103,” he said.

An empty water bottle lay by his side. He said his other hint for handling the Phoenix heat is drinking lots of water. John said he is getting used to the heat but might take the bus back to Missouri if he can’t find a job.

Jeremy Houston, 30, has been in Phoenix for 13 years. He moved from Cincinnati and has experienced summer in both places. Because it’s drier in Phoenix, he finds it much more comfortable.

“You burn here; you suffocate there,” he said.

Houston is an air-conditioning repairman, and said the high temperatures here keep him busy. When he is working, he doesn’t wear a hat or sunscreen to protect himself from the sun. His strategy is also to stay hydrated.

“I just bang the water,” he said.

Houston’s partner, who would only give his name as Greg, said he came to Phoenix from Colorado. While Colorado summers sometimes climb into the 90s, he said he prefers the heat of Phoenix. Greg said he uses sun block all the time, but mostly to preserve the multi-colored tattoos that covered both arms, and not necessarily for his health.

-30-

Charlie McCoy, an employee of the City of Phoenix finance department, works on a parking meter. In the Phoenix heat, he said he drinks lots of water and starts work early in the morning. (Photo by Lynne Schneider)

John, 47, originally from Missouri, has been in Phoenix seeking work for three months. He stays in the shade to stay cool. (Photo by Lynne Schneider)