Victorians urged to prepare for 'extreme heat' today

AUTHORITIES have issued an advice message for extreme heat today (Friday, December 31).

Protect your health:

• Heat can make anyone sick.
• People over 65 years old, the very young and those with a pre-existing medical condition are most at risk.
• Heat-related illness can range from mild conditions, such as a rash or cramps to heatstroke - which is life threatening.
•  Call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024 if you are unwell and symptoms are not improving after taking actions to cool down.
• Call triple zero (000) if you or someone you know is showing signs of heatstroke, such as vomiting, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, confusion, fits or loss of consciousness. 

Prepare now to survive the heat. Be aware of the risk of heat-related illness and plan ahead to keep yourself and others safe.  

What you should do:

• Drink plenty of water: Always take a bottle with you.
• Hot cars kill: Never leave kids, adults or pets in cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes.
• Keep cool: Seek out air-conditioned buildings, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light, loose clothing made from natural fabrics.
• Plan ahead: Schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat. If you must go out, wear a hat and sunscreen and take a bottle of water with you.
• Help others: Look after those most at risk in the heat - your friends and family or your neighbour living alone, the elderly, the young, people with a medical condition and don't forget your pets.

Face masks: Wear a facemask if you go anywhere indoors that is not your own home. Masks may be ineffective when they become wet either from sweat or being immersed in water. When a mask becomes wet, it cannot act as an effective protection for yourself and others against coronavirus (COVID-19). A wet mask may also make it hard for you to breathe. 

Know the symptoms of heat-related illness and monitor your health.

Keep up to date with weather forecasts. 

To find out more information visit: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/heat-stress-and-heat-related-illness.

Impacts in your area:

• Power outages are more likely during hot weather due to equipment failures, high demand and the impact of bushfires. 
• NBN connected phone and internet services will not work during a power outage. You will not be able to call Triple Zero (000) using your home phone. 

This message was issued by Emergency Management Commissioner .

The next update is expected by 01/01/2022 12:00 am  or as the situation changes.

Use multiple sources to stay informed:

• www.emergency.vic.gov.au
• VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226
• VicEmergency app
• Facebook or Twitter (#survivetheheat)
• Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.

Accessibility:

The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.

• To access this information in other languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
• If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.