Heat Wave

The air conditioner in my office was not able to keep up with the heat today. It was 100oF. It was challenging not to complain about the heat, as most areas at the prison are not air conditioned. It is like playing that tiny violin. Nobody wanted to hear how hot it was. Not inmates, not correctional officers. My mother thinks air conditioning is as important as heat is. It is true that more people suffer heat related health issues than cold related. Still, there is no political will for air conditioning prisons. Many activities were restricted once again today. Inmates seem to take the restrictions in stride. Maybe it is too hot to complain! The truth is that complaining does no good. We have already had the air conditioning conversation. Inmates lost that one. So did correctional staff. So, this afternoon there was no running, no volleyball, no handball, no basketball, no weights and no horseshoes. No library, no career center, no family center, no hobby. Today was another day with restricted activities due to the heat. The institution took the position of moderation where recreational activities were concerned. We were encouraged to drink lots of fluids and to look out for each other’s wellbeing. Of course the work had to be done, so workers did it in the heat; inmates and staff as well. The work was done a little slower in the heat, and there were a few extra water breaks. Yesterday was a quiet day. Today was another. Another day on the hill.