It’s going to be a scorching summer.
Temperatures are set to soar over summer, and it’s going to be especially hot in the west. Make sure you carefully manage your daily activity during extremely hot days and heatwaves.
Five tips to survive the heat:
- Drink more water.
- Hot cars kill.
- Keep cool.
- Plan ahead.
- Help others.
Staying cool during extreme heat
- Check the weather forecast so you can be prepared.
- Stay hydrated, carry a full drink bottle with you, and take small sips frequently (don’t forget to give your pets plenty of fresh water to drink too).
- Never leave kids, adults, or pets in cars.
- Seek out air-conditioned buildings to spend your time in on hot days – places like shopping centres, libraries, cinemas, or family and friends’ homes.
- Plan ahead by cancelling non-essential outings and scheduling essential activities for the coolest part of the day.
- Keep your home cool by closing the blinds and curtains.
- Use an electric fan, ice and/or cold water to help lower body temperature.
Call or visit vulnerable family and friends to check if they are okay.
Heatwaves and what to do
A heatwave is three or more very hot days when the day and night temperature averages 30 degrees Celsius or more.
Heatwaves in Brimbank are particularly severe due to the ‘Urban Heat Island Effect’ since our city has less tree coverage and more paved surfaces compared to other parts of greater Melbourne. So staying heatwave safe is very important.
If you’re feeling affected by the heat, or you believe someone you may be affected by the heat, call Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24. For life threatening emergencies, call 000.
Important information
To find out what to do in a heatwave emergency, visit www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/heatwaves
To check heat alerts, download the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) app or go to www.bom.gov.au/– or download the VicEmergency app or go to www.emergency.vic.gov.au/respond
For more resources on staying heatwave safe, visit the Department of Health’s website www.health.vic.gov.au and search for ‘heatwaves and extreme heat’.
