GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- U.S. Postal Service worker Susan Truskowski knows that when temperatures skyrocket, her customers still need their mail.
After trudging through the triple-digit heat earlier this month, Truskowski sets out for her 6 1/2 hour days preparing to get sweat in her eyes and for her feet to drag.
"People are used to certain times they get their mail, and you don’t want to be late," she said.
With temperatures back in the upper 90s and more records expected to be shattered, Postal Service supervisors have been initiating weekly safety talks with employees, making sure carriers are informed about heat-related illnesses and remain hydrated on their routes.
Jeanette Jackson, Eastown Post Office supervisor, said the heat wave has been rough because there doesn't appear to be an end in sight. Mail carriers have mentioned challenged breathing and nausea, but they're pushing through. They bring along extra water, towels and wet wash cloths to keep cool.
"They're troopers," Jackson said.
Workers at the Eastown location haven't had to cut their days short due to the heat. Jackson said they know that when they bring mail back, someone else has to pick up the slack.
“And that can end up being a 10-hour day for them," she said.
On-foot carriers like Truskowski will hit 300-600 houses a day. Truskowski has a van that she can take air conditioned breaks in, but not everyone is as fortunate.
And the carriers delivering from mail trucks don't have it easy. The trucks aren't air conditioned and it feels like a 110 degrees inside, Jackson said. There's fans, but they just move the hot air.
Truskowski said it's the sympathy from customers on her East Hills route that keeps her motivated. They've offered her water and Gatorade, and their words of encouragement help when she she's ready to mentally check out.
"The thoughtfulness is kind of a pick-me-up because you're dragging all day," Truskowski said.