Working Construction Sites

 Getting through the summer heat can be brutal, especially when there's little shade, dirt and saw dust whipping in the air. At the bottom of this article is a complied list of items you can buy that can make your shift more comfortable and ease your suffering. There items that are necessary: Water and Dishtowels (sweat rags) Everything else you can acquire later. However, if this is just a temporary assignment, you can do without some of it. If this is an extended stay and you're not going anywhere, you might want to scroll down and read this article.

 Working those long shifts during the day, you'll eventually have to eat something. When it comes to food, keep it light. The heat can spoil it, or eating too much will get you sick or go to the bathroom. Stick to snack crackers (not too sweet or salty) Both make you dehydrated. Avoid Port-O-Death's (potties) whenever possible. Most construction sites have them, but don't expect toilet paper and expect them to smell like death!

 If you're required to do patrols, do not use your own vehicles no matter what anyone tells you. Sharp debris like nails, metal siding, etc, litters these locations. Don't be surprised if you puncture and tire or cause other damage to your car/truck. Instead, do foot patrols and watch where you step. In many cases, the company doesn’t protect your vehicle. Unless otherwise told by your manager, there's no reimbursement for damages. I know first hand. If he/she does, don't let up until they make good on their oath. In addition, if the damage is severe, you might have to file an insurance claim. Check your policy or ask your agent first. 

 Another tip for your vehicle is park in shade, but out of the way of machinery. Remember, there are nails. Forget about keeping it your car clean. With lots of dust, your car/truck is going to get dirty fast. Moreover, don't wash it, unless you're there to cover another guard or on temporary assignment. If there's a lot of dirt on your windshield, use excess water to wash it off before leaving. Using your wiper blades prior is going to scratch the glass.

 Should a storm be approaching, find shelther in your car or nearby building. Should it be a tornado, find a structure with a solid door frame, away from corners, doors, windows, and outside walls and debris that can be picked up. Don't use your car as shelter, for it may be struck or knocked over or fly away. Get to the lowest part, in a hallway closet if possible.

 When doing night patrols, be alert; be aware of your surroundings. Use high-beam flashlights and always buy enough batteries to last. If this is a bad neighborhood, don't play cop and try to protect the building materials. Are you seriously going to get shot/beat-up over something that the contactor can replace?  Most companies have insurance for their guards, but don't take a chance and end up in the hospital. As stated in the Level I & II training, record as much information and call the police. If another person's life is in danger, do what you can. Don't be a hero.

 The next pearl of wisdom can be applied to any  graveyard shift. Get at least 4 or 5 hours of sleep before your shift starts. Leave 1 hour to get up, eat, shower, whatever and make it to your post on time. Don't hold up the other guard because you're late. If you're single, you can swing it. If you're a parent, don't risk falling asleep and getting your child killed. Ask a trustworthy neighbor, sibling, or relative close-by to help you. Whatever strings you pull, get sleep! 

 Last, I put together a list of other items that you can might need to take at a construction site.           

• First Aid Kit (include Aspirin/Medication you take)  
  
• 10gallon water jug
  
• Non-Perisable Food (also carry wet toilettes for clean-up, and can opener)
  
• Toilet paper
  
• Sun glasses
  
• Key Map
  
• Pen and hand held notepad
  
• Mosquito spray
  
• Rain poncho & Rubber boots (gear for rainstorms, etc.)
  
• 20ft (or longer) extension cord
  
• Surge Protected Power Strip
  
• Portable drink cooler (Runs on car battery. Get the converter to use with electrical outlet)
  
• Portable Digital TV
  
• Radio
  
• Round electric fan (prop inside backseat and roll windows up) 
  

  I wouldn't recommend books or magazines because they can distract your attention from your surroundings (if the case may be) Burying your head in a novel can leave trespassers to get by or sneak up on you, or your supervisor, or owner of the site. The same goes for watching a T.V. Wait until the site is clear of activity and persons before catching your shows. Don't have an excuse for them to fire you.