Extreme Heat Alert

Heat health alerts have been issued today for the whole state of Victoria except for the South West and Wimmera Districts

Heat can kill. Days and nights of extreme heat can affect vulnerable people in our community so make sure to look out for each other. Keep cool. Plan ahead. Drink plenty of water. Always take a bottle of water with you. Never leave children, adults or pets in cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes. Hot cars can kill.

Heat

• Survive the heat. Extreme heat kills more Australians than any other natural disaster
• 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, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and 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.
• Check-in on others. Look after those most at risk in the heat – your neighbour living alone, the elderly, the young, people with a medical condition and don’t forget your pets.
• Be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke, including turning pale, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, nausea and fainting. You may also stop sweating. This is a medical emergency and you should call 000 immediately.

For more information, visit the Better Health Channel. Call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024 or see your doctor if you are unwell. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

With extreme heat there is a greater risk that heat will interfere with your body’s natural ability to cool down, causing heat illness. This includes cramps and heat exhaustion, which if left untreated, can lead to heatstroke which is a life-threatening illness. For information and advice on how to prevent heat illnesses, visit https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/heat

Call up someone you know that might at risk of heat illness and see how they are coping today. Think about your elderly neighbour, a pregnant friend, people on medications for conditions such as heart disease, mental illness or high blood pressure. Ask them what their plan is for today. Remind them to keep as cool as possible, spend as much time indoors in air conditioning as possible, and encourage them to drink plenty of water.

Heat and Power outages

• Ensure access to water and drink plenty on hot days.
• Cancel or move appointments for extreme days, especially at the hottest time of day.
• Dress lightly in loose, light-coloured clothing.
• Use a hand-held or battery powered fan to stay cool.
• Keep yourself cool by using wet towels, putting your feet in cool water and taking cool (not cold) showers.
• If you are in a low bushfire risk area, block out the sun at home during the day by closing curtains and blinds.
• Go somewhere to stay cool if it is safe to do so. Swimming pools or air-conditioned centres such as a libraries or shopping centres are ideal and may have extended hours
• Keep your phone charged to stay up-to-date with emergency information
• Make a plan to check on vulnerable friends, neighbours and family by phone or in person on these days. This includes the elderly, children under five, pregnant women, people with medical conditions, disabilities, mental health issues and drug and alcohol issues.

Power outages - health and safety
People on life support who require access to power for medical reasons should enact their personal contingency plan. People should speak to their doctor if they have any concerns. In a life-threatening emergency, contact Triple Zero (000).

Food Safety

• Food safety is important during power outages. Once cold or frozen food is no longer cold to touch, it can be kept and eaten for up to four hours and then it must be thrown away.
• Foods such as poultry, meat and dairy products must be kept chilled. If you are without electricity and the use of your refrigerator, suggestions include:
• Try to keep cold and frozen food as cold as possible. If food is still cold to touch, less than 5°C, it is safe to use. Once cold or frozen food is no longer cold to touch, 5°C or above, it can be kept and eaten for up to four hours and then it must be thrown away.
• If you don’t know how long your food has been unfrozen or not cold to the touch, throw it away.
• Eat hot food within four hours of it being hot or throw it away.
• If available, put bagged ice under food packages and trays stored in freezers and fridges if power failure lasts more than 1 hour.
• Only open fridge and freezer doors when absolutely necessary, this will keep the food and air temperature colder for longer.

Food safety factsheet (and translations)

Alternative power supplies safety
Do not use a portable generator indoors. Petrol or diesel powered generators can produce carbon monoxide gas which is invisible and you cannot smell it. If it builds up in the home, garage, caravan it can cause sudden illness, loss of consciousness and death.
Using a generator safely during a power outage factsheet (and translations)

Septic tanks during power failures

• If you suspect your wastewater system has been affected by power outage, contact a licensed plumbing practitioner or service agent to have it assessed.
• Until you are certain your septic system is working properly, minimise your water use.
• Do not enter the pump chamber: gases from decaying sewage inside pump chambers are toxic and can be fatal.

Pool water safety

• To maintain water quality, pool filters should be on when people are in the pool.
• Domestic pool filters do not need to run all day to maintain water quality.
• If people are adding chemicals (chlorine), then the pump must be on to mix the chemical with the pool water.

For more information visit the Better Health Channel 
Subscribe to receive Heat Health Alerts
Call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 or see your doctor if you are unwell. In an emergency, call 000.