Greater Shepparton City Council Director Community Kaye Thomson said with the region expecting four days of temperatures over 40 degrees and five nights not going below 20 degrees that people need to be aware of the signs of heat stress.
“These are extreme hot weather situations we are experiencing and some people are more vulnerable than others. Anyone aged over 65, particularly those living without air conditioning, children under five, pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with existing medical conditions need to be aware of the symptoms of heat stress,” said Ms Thomson. “If you feel unwell please seek medical attention.”
“I would like to urge the community to look out for their neighbours particularly if they are elderly or unwell. Many vulnerable people do not have friends or relatives living nearby so make sure to keep an eye on them over the next few days.”
“Children are also at risk of heat stress as they get hotter faster than adults and their bodies are less able to regulate temperature. To ensure your child doesn’t get dehydrated, make sure they’re drinking water rather than sport drinks or fruit juices and if you’re worried they might be dehydrated, ask them when they last went to the toilet. If it’s been a few hours then they’re not drinking enough, if it’s been over six hours then they are likely to be dehydrated.
“A reminder to residents, the temperature of the inside of a car can double within minutes, possibly leading to heat exhaustion and death. Please never leave kids, pets or adults in a parked car during hot weather.”
“We also encourage people or businesses where staff are required to work outdoors in the heat to look to alternative work activities to ensure good health of their staff. This could include starting and finishing work earlier, or working indoors if possible.”
Ms Thomson said with the extreme heat the impact on your environment can be felt for a few more days. “This includes your home, your garden and public spaces which will all take some time to reduce in temperature too.”
There are six key things for people to do during warmer weather.
- Keep out of the heat - look for shade and wear a hat
- Drink enough water
- Naturally cool your home, close windows and blinds in the day
- Talk to your health service if you have health issues
- Check on people who may struggle in the heat
- Help people who are feeling unwell.
Residents will find fact sheets on heat related illness and basic information that contains a number of languages other than English on https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/survive-the-heat
For emergency information, download the VicEmergency App, or visit emergency.vic.gov.au.
