Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Wednesday, 2 January, 2019. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Heat health warning issued for Northern country

Greater Shepparton City Council Director Community Kaye Thomson said it was important that our residents kept an eye on our vulnerable population, including those people aged over 65, particularly those living without air conditioning, children under five, pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with existing medical conditions.

“Many vulnerable people do not have friends or relatives living nearby, so if you have an elderly neighbour or live near someone you know is unwell, make sure to keep an eye on them during hot weather.

“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.

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 Council’s website http://greatershepparton.com.au/residents/emergency/heatwave/

For emergency information, download the VicEmergency App, or visit emergency.vic.gov.au.