JONESBORO — With temperatures forecasted to remain in the triple digits this weekend, Arkansas State University is coordinating efforts with local organizations to ensure student safety during the busy move-in period.
Water bottles provided by St. Bernards will be distributed at designated housing locations across campus. First National Bank has supplied coolers for storing the water, allowing students and families to access cold drinks and take necessary breaks, according to Wyatt Reed, the university’s emergency management specialist.
“So, we’ll be able to ice those down and then have them at our different housing locations across campus, so that our members can stop, take a break, get a cold bottle of water, and hopefully stay safe from the heat,” Reed said.
Reed, who oversees preparations for any potential disasters or emergencies that could impact campus, emphasized the importance of hydrating early.
“Good hydration starts two days in advance,” Reed advised. “Don’t wait until move-in day to start drinking water. Start early, preparing yourself, because it is going to be a strenuous activity on your body.”
He also recommended taking frequent breaks and pacing oneself, particularly when tackling physically demanding tasks like moving items up and down stairs.
“Sometimes just making sure that you put yourself on a schedule with that,” Reed said. “Rather than letting yourself get to the point where you start experiencing symptoms, it’s the best proactive measure that you can take.”
Jaiden Forte, an incoming freshman who moved in earlier this week, echoed those suggestions.
“Wear sunscreen. Make sure y’all drink water four hours before y’all try to come out here and move in this heat,” Forte said. “I ain’t going to lie, it’s beaming out here.”
In the event of heat-related illnesses, resources will be available through the Jonesboro Fire Department, Arkansas State Police, Medic One, and additional community partners. Emergency beacons located across campus, marked with red paint and blue lights, provide a direct line to campus dispatch for immediate help.
Reed underscored the importance of collaboration. “When we can do that … all working together, we can help keep our campus safe and make things run as smoothly as possible,” he said.
Classes for the fall semester begin Wednesday, Aug. 19. Additional information about campus safety measures can be found on the university’s official website.