National Weather Service Shares Tips to Avoid Burns From Hot Pavement

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Many are aware if the air is hot, the ground is even hotter.

It’s especially true when it comes to asphalt and blacktop pavements.

People can suffer serious, even life-threatening burns just from touching hot pavement.

“If the air temperature is around 102 degrees, blacktop surfaces including asphalt can be around 67 degrees, and just with hot surface temperatures around 111 degrees, skin can already experience pain,” said Idamis Shoemaker, a National Weather Service meteorologist.

Feet can be protected from heat by wearing shoes while walking on hot pavement.

The National Weather Service also recommends staying hydrated and taking breaks in the shade while working outside in high temperatures.

According to the agency, heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities annually.

Pets should be considered with hot pavement as well.

Before taking pets out on a walk, test the pavement with a hand.

Four Paws USA said to touch the pavement with the back of your hand for seven seconds. If you can’t hold it for the full seven seconds because the surface is too hot, then it’s also too hot for a dog’s paws.