Heatwave

Heatwaves in Australia are becoming more frequent and more severe. It's important to be aware of the danger and to be prepared for days of extreme heat. Take action to beat the heat:

• Keep yourself cool - Be aware of heatwave conditions. Extended periods of extreme heat will impact on health risks
• Manage your living space - Consider smart, simple and cost effective actions to maintain a comfortable home.
• Improve your home - Understand the benefits of retrofits to your home and make necessary improvement to help keep your home cool
• Take emergency action - When you feel affected by extreme heat, you need to know what emergency action to take
• Heatwave Awareness - Be aware and understand the dangers of heatwaves and be prepared to take action
• Videos and case studies - See what locals have done to address heatwave

Download the Heatwave Action Plan.

Elderly residents who would like a copy of the Heatwave Action Kit can contact Council on 03 5471 1700.

For more information read on how to survive the heat this summer visit Better Health Channel or www.heatwavehelp.com.au

Heatwaves can kill more people than any other natural disaster but they do not have to be dangerous, uncomfortable or exhausting. Did you know that between 26 January and 1 February 2009, 374 deaths were recorded due to the extreme heatwave. This is significantly higher than the 173 lives lost during the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria.

Victorians can expect to experience an increase in frequency and severity of heatwaves during the summer season. It is important to take heat seriously and look after yourself and others.

The Department of Health and Human Services has developed a heat health alert system to notify stakeholders including the community, of forecast heatwave conditions which are likely to impact on human health. When the heat health temperature threshold is reached in a specific weather forecast district a heat health alert will be issued by the Chief Health Officer. Mount Alexander Shire is located within the North Central Weather Forecast District.

For more information regarding Heat Health Alerts visit Heat Health Alert

Anyone can suffer from heat-related illness such as cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Those most at risk in a heatwave are listed below:
• The aged (65+), babies, preschool children, pregnant and nursing mothers.
• People with pre-existing medical condition e.g. diabetes, heart disease, and mental illness or people taking certain medications.
• People with disabilities
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities?
• Low income / homeless people
• People with limited transport options
• People living alone or with little social contact
• People who work and play outdoors

Visit the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance website for more information on heat stress and heat-related illness.

Heat may cause illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. More importantly heat may worsen the condition of someone who already has a medical issue such as heart disease or diabetes.

If you or someone you know are showing signs of heat illness, seek medical advice as soon as possible.

For 24-hour health advice contact : Nurse-on-call on 1300 60 60 24.

For life-threatening emergencies phone 000.

If you are unsure, make the call anyway and find out what is the best course of action.