Rankin County local helps Waste Management workers in a unique and simple way

A Rankin County local is inspiring her community to consider garbage men and city workers during these dangerously hot summer days.

A Rankin County resident has come up with a way to help waste management workers who are exposed to dangerous heat conditions (Photo used with permission)

Mississippi is currently in the midst of a blazing summer and it’s no surprise that the climbing temperatures are affecting workers. On July 21, a heat advisory for Vicksburg, MS, was put in effect until 7 p.m. July 22, with a heat index of 105°F to 109°F.

Adam McWilliams of 16 WAPT reported that a garbage man in Madison County fell off the back of his garbage truck and overheated. Heat-related illnesses are serious and can be very dangerous. McWilliams encourages workers to hydrate, take frequent breaks and stay in the shade or AC when possible.

One Rankin County local is taking steps to encourage her community by taking action and looking out for garbage men. She found a simple solution that requires leaving a cold bag of drinks and ice out on garbage pick-up days.

She said it’s as easy as purchasing cheap dollar general cold bags, putting ice in them and placing enough drinks inside for the people on the garbage route. She also leaves a note on the garbage can and hangs the bag from a shepherd’s hook.

A local resident stated that helping is as easy as purchasing cheap dollar general cold bags, putting ice in them and placing enough drinks inside and on a shepherd’s hook for the people on the garbage route. (Photo used with permission)

Neighborhoods can come together to help by deciding on which house will be a central point for drink dispersion. The whole neighborhood can then donate drinks or ice to the bag each week.

This is one way that communities can take action to look out for each other during the scorching temperatures of summer.