As Brimbank forges ahead into summer, heatwaves can pose a health risk. A heatwave is defined as three or more very hot days when the day and night temperature is 30 degrees celsius or more.
There are many ways to stay cool during extreme heat, such as:
– Check the weather forecast to be prepared.
– Call or visiting vulnerable family and friends to check if they are okay.
– Stay hydrated, carry a full drink bottle, and take small sips frequently (Remember to also give your pets plenty of fresh water to drink)
– Plan ahead by cancelling non-essential outings and scheduling essential activities for the coolest part of the day.
– Keep your home cool by closing the blinds and curtains.
Heatwaves in Brimbank can be particularly severe due to the ‘Urban Heat Island Effect’ since the local landscape has less tree coverage and more paved surfaces compared to other parts of greater Melbourne. This makes the need to stay heatwave safe especially important for local residents.
To find out what to do in a heatwave emergency, visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/emergency-information/heatwave-emergencies
To check heat alerts, download the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) app or go to www.bom.gov.au or download the VIC Emergency app or go to emergency.vic.gov.au/respond
