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Preparing For Hot Weather

Heat Health Alerts have been issued for today, Thursday and Friday this week in the Central District.

By Bass Coast - 15th January 2014 - Back to News

Temperatures in Bass Coast are not predicted to reach the heatwave threshold of a mean temperature of 30C; however residents and visitors are encouraged to prepare for extremely hot weather.

Potential impacts

A heatwave is a period of unusual and uncomfortably hot weather that can affect anybody. It can also affect community infrastructure such as the power supply, public transport and other services.

Heatwaves can make existing medical conditions worse and cause a heat-related illness, which may be fatal.

Those most at risk in a heatwave are:

• people aged over 65 years, especially those living alone
• people who have a medical condition such as diabetes, kidney disease or mental Illness
• people taking medications that may affect the way the body reacts to heat such as:
  • allergy medicines (antihistamines)
  • blood pressure and heart medicines (beta-blockers)
  • seizure medicines (anticonvulsants)
  • water pills (diuretics)
  • antidepressants or antipsychotics
• people with problematic alcohol or other drug use
• people with a disability who may not be able to identify or communicate their discomfort or thirst
• people who have trouble moving around (such as those who are bed bound or in wheelchairs)
• people who are overweight or obese
• pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, babies and young children
• people who work, or are physically active, outdoors

What you can do to help

• Look after yourself and keep in touch with sick or frail friends, neighbours and relatives.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty (if your doctor normally limits your fluids, check how much to drink during hot weather).
• Keep yourself cool by using wet towels, putting your feet in cool water and taking cool (not cold) showers.
• Spend as much time as possible in cool or airconditioned buildings (for example, shopping centres, libraries, cinemas or community centres).
• Block out the sun at home during the day by closing curtains and blinds. Open the windows when there is a cool breeze.
• Don’t leave children, adults or animals in parked vehicles.
• Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
• If you must go out, stay in the shade and take plenty of water with you. Wear a hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
• Eat smaller meals more often and cold meals such as salads. Make sure food that needs refrigeration is properly stored.
• Avoid strenuous activity like sport, home improvements and gardening.
• Watch or listen to news reports that provide more information during a heatwave.

Your local library is a good place to escape the heat.

Operating hours for libraries in Bass Coast are:

You may also seek refuge from the heat at a leisure facility in Bass Coast.

They can be found at:

Phillip Island Leisure Centre

10-12 Church Street, Cowes

Phone 03 5952 2811

Bass Coast Aquatic & Leisure Centre

41 Wentworth Road, Wonthaggi

Phone 03 5672 4194

Inverloch Community Hub

16 A'Beckett Street, Inverloch

Cowes Outdoor Pool

Cowes Primary School

Settlement Road, Cowes

Important contact information

For 24-hour health advice contact NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.

For life-threatening emergencies telephone 000.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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