REGION - The Chief Health Officer has issued a Heat Health Alert for the Wimmera District which includes Northern Grampians Shire for next Tuesday as day time temperatures surpass 40 degrees.
Heat Health Alerts are issued when the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts temperatures above heat health thresholds for particular days.
Residents are urged to drink plenty of water, avoid going outside during the heat of the day and seek medical attention if they are feeling unwell. They are also reminded not to leave children or animals inside parked vehicles.
Stawell's maximum day time temperature is predicted to reach 41 degrees on Tuesday, again on Wednesday and 44 degrees by Thursday.
Northern Grampians Shire Mayor, Cr Kevin Erwin said the most important thing in these heatwave conditions was for everyone to look after themselves and each other.
“It is important to ensure the younger and older people in our communities and those people who may be suffering from an illness are being cared for on Heat Health alert days as these people are often more vulnerable to extreme temperatures,” he said.
“The most important things to do in these conditions are the simple ones. Look after yourself and keep in touch with others, drink plenty of water, keep yourself cool and stay out of the sun.
“Our Home and Community Care team will be paying special attention to all their clients on these hot days but we also encourage our residents to check in with any friends or family who may be particularly vulnerable to heat stress.”
In the event of an emergency Council may open emergency relief centres. Council may also extend the opening hours of their pools to help people to stay cool on Heat Health Alert days.
All updates about any relief centres and changes to pool opening hours will be posted on Council’s website www.ngshire.vic.gov.au and available from customer service on 5358 8700 (Stawell) or 5495 1500 (St. Arnaud).
