Tips for keeping yourself and your pets cool and safe during a heatwave.
In Darebin, temperatures often reaches more than 30 degrees in summer, which can be dangerous for people and animals.
Some basic tips to remember during a heatwave are:
- Keep your home cool
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Wear sunscreen, a hat and light, loose clothing if you go outside
- Keep your body cool and hydrated by drinking water and avoiding alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.
Plan Ahead
- Check weather forecasts often at the Bureau of Meteorology website
- Reschedule outdoor events, physical or sporting activities on days when extreme heat is forecast
- If you are on medication, check with your doctor before going out in the summer heat
- Stock up on food and other essentials so you don't have to leave the house during the heat
Steps for dealing with the heat
- Drink plenty of water regularly to replenish fluids lost through perspiration.
- Don't leave people or pets in cars
- Keep cool by putting a damp towel around your neck and sit in front of a fan or air conditioner
- Block sunlight from windows with heavy curtains or blinds
- Stay indoors during the heat of the day
- Open windows at night to let cooler air in to your house
Heat Stress
Signs of heat stress can include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, and heavy sweating. If you feel don't well call your doctor, Nurse-On-Call (1300 606 024) or in an emergency, ring 000 (triple zero).
Check in on others
If you have older, sick or frail neighbours, check in on them on heatwave days to make sure they're okay. Pass on the tips listed above to help them reduce their chances of suffering from a heat related illness. If they receive services from our Aged and Disability department they can also be put on our Client Heatwave Register so we can check in on them too. For more information call 8470 8828.
Pets
Don't forget to look after your pets during summer, make sure to:
- Provide plenty of fresh, cool water every day
- Ensure they have access to shaded, cool areas
- Walk your dog early morning or in the evening to avoid sunburn and dehydration
- Never leave your pet in a car or hot, enclosed space
- If concerned, take your pet to your local vet
For further advice visit the RSPCA website.
Heatwave Planning
Our Heatwave Strategy aims to reduce the impact of heatwave on our community through education, service provision and urban design. For further information and resources, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.