Tips For Beating The Heat On A Hot Day In A Security Post
Posted on: 13 August 2018
Security officers need to work in all sorts of weather conditions, but a hot day is often the worst. The fact that you're wearing a considerable amount of heavy gear, including a tactical vest, and may be stationed in a small and hot security post can definitely make you feel uncomfortable. Staying hydrated is important for security jobs in hot weather, but water alone may not be enough to keep you feeling comfortable. You don't want to get sick from too much heat; and, you do not want to lower your defenses and be unable to fulfill your duties. Here are some tips for beating the heat in a hot security post.
Use A Fan
A fan might not cool the air around you, but the fact that it will circulate the air makes it an asset in a hot security post. If your company allows fans, plan to set one up. However, if there's no power outlet in the booth, which may be the case if it's very rudimentary location, you may need a different idea. One simple solution is to run a USB fan off a USB power pack. Both devices are small and portable, so they're easy to carry to and from the booth at the start and end of your shift — and they also won't look unprofessional. Charge up the power pack before you go to work and its battery will likely last throughout your shift.
Wear A Cooling Bandanna
Unless your supervisor specifically advises you not to wear one, a cooling bandanna can make a big difference in your efforts to stay cool in a hot security post. This is a device that you place in the freezer before your shift and then drape around your neck to lower your body temperature. If possible, choose one that is black or navy blue so that it blends in with your security uniform. Depending on how often you deal with members of the public, you may also want to slip it off when someone approaches the post on foot or in a car. If you visit a lunchroom for your break, you can place the bandanna in the freezer to recool it.
Consider A Shady Spot
There may be circumstances in which your security post is situated in the full sun at certain times of the day. While leaving the post may be forbidden, you may be able to take a few steps away to stand in the shade. As long as you're just a few paces from the post and can easily return to it when a motorist approaches, for example, and you've cleared this behavior with your supervisor, this can be an effective way to stay cool.
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