Heat Health Alert declared for Wednesday 26 January

The Chief Health Officer has issued a ‘heat health alert’ for Wednesday 26 January 2022 based on the Bureau of Meteorology 7-day forecast.

The forecast conditions may cause an increase in heat-related illnesses in the community including heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

While extreme heat can affect anyone, there are certain groups of our population that are at an increased risk during these periods.

Maroondah’s Heatwave Plan focuses on groups identified as ‘vulnerable populations’ in the context of heat-related incidents – children aged 0 to 4 years; people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and people suffering a serious illness.

During this heat health alert, some Council services may be altered or cancelled in an effort to encourage those members of the community who are at particular risk to stay out of the heat.

Services that may be affected during a heatwave are: Planned Activity Group Social Support Maternal and child health Assessment and care coordination Meals on Wheels Vacation Care Family Day Care Occasional Care Home and Community Care Supported Residential Services & Direct Care Services

If you are unsure about your service being available, please contact Council on 1300 88 22 33 or 9298 4598.

The criteria for extreme heat is determined by the Department of Health in conjunction with the Bureau of Meteorology forecast for the mean temperature across the heatwave timeframe.

How to stay safe and cope with the heat

There are various things people can do to stay safe, and help themselves and others to better cope with the heat:

Never leave children, adults or animals unattended in parked vehicles (even when parked in the shade). 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 air-conditioned 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. Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. If you do 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. Walk your dog in the morning or evening when it's cooler to reduce the risk of heatstroke and burning their paws on the pavement. Watch or listen to news reports that provide more information during a heatwave. Further assistance

Keep updated on weather warnings by visiting the Bureau of Meteorology website or call them 1300 659 217.

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

For life-threatening emergencies, call 000. 

To stay up to date with Council services during the summer period phone us on 1300 88 22 33 or see the Heatwave webpage.