08/16/2026
🚨 ATRA SAFETY ALERT — EXTREME HEAT WARNING 🚨
The National Weather Service in Birmingham has upgraded the heat threat across Central Alabama. A Heat Advisory remains in effect until 9 PM this evening, followed immediately by an Extreme Heat Warning from 9 PM tonight through 9 PM Monday. Heat index values could reach 113°F. (National Weather Service)
For Alabama’s towing and recovery professionals, THIS IS A WORKPLACE HAZARD.
Tow operators work on hot pavement, around heat-producing equipment, in direct sunlight, and often wear protective clothing and PPE. Add extreme humidity and a roadside recovery, and heat illness can develop quickly.
🔥 ATRA urges every operator and company to take extreme heat seriously:
💧 HYDRATE EARLY & OFTEN — Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
⏱️ TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS — Get into shade or air conditioning whenever possible.
👷 WATCH YOUR CREW — Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Check on each other throughout the shift.
☀️ LIMIT STRENUOUS WORK WHEN POSSIBLE — Schedule non-emergency heavy work for cooler portions of the day.
🚛 DON’T FORGET THE TRUCK — Cab temperatures can become dangerously hot. Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.
🚨 HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY — Confusion, loss of consciousness or other signs of heat stroke require immediate action. CALL 911.
SLOW DOWN. HYDRATE. TAKE A BREAK. WATCH YOUR PARTNER.
No tow or recovery is worth losing an operator to a preventable heat illness.
Alabama Towing & Recovery Association
Working Together. Working Safely.
