Residents across the Hawkesbury are urged to monitor weather reports and health advice as the state is expected to experience significantly hot weather conditions in the coming days.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns temperatures are generally expected to increase over the weekend, hitting 42 degrees on Saturday.
As the weather heats up, police have also warned motorists that it’s not only an offence for children or pets to be left unattended in a vehicle, it can be deadly.
“It can be just as dangerous to leave the elderly and disabled members of the community in cars during days of extreme heat.”
“Everyone needs to take care in hot weather, but some people are at higher risk of heat illness, especially if they are older, live alone or are socially-isolated.”
Tips to beat the heat:
- Stay well-hydrated
- Avoid alcohol and hot or sugary drinks
- Limit your physical activity
- Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton
- Regularly check your forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology on radio, TV, internet or App
- Get advice from your doctor about whether your medication and/or your medical conditions may affect what you should do if it gets extremely hot
- Make sure you know who you are going to call (who may need help, and who could provide help to you if needed); make a list of telephone numbers and make sure they are current.
- Tourists, campers, and other holidaymakers who are in unfamiliar environments are urged to take extra care, especially when swimming. Every year thousands of people require rescuing from the surf and needlessly drown.
- If you can, it's a good idea to spend some time in an air-conditioned building.
For more information refer to the Beat the Heat website: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/pages/default.aspx
Livestock and pet owners are also being urged to ensure adequate clean water is always available and that shading is provided where possible. Additionally, no animals should be left in confined, unventilated areas.
Members of the public should also regularly visit the Rural Fire Service website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for updated bush fire warnings and information. For updated weather forecasts and warnings visit www.bom.gov.au.
