Heatwave

In response to the 2009 heatwave the Department of Health has allocated funding to all Victorian Local Government areas to develop a Heatwave Plan.

The Warrnambool City Council plan has drawn extensively from the South West Heatwave Plan which was developed with the collaboration of Corangamite, Moyne and Warrnambool councils.

Why develop a Heatwave Plan?

During the heatwave of late January 2009 there were 374 additional deaths in Victoria as a result of extreme heat. Consequently, local governments throughout Victoria have developed Heatwave strategies in order to protect the most vulnerable members of their communities from the impacts of extreme heat.

What is a Heatwave?

A heatwave is a period of excessively hot and uncomfortable weather that adversely affects human health or when temperatures rise much higher than usual for several days in a row.

Who is at risk from a Heatwave?

At risk populations fit into one or more of the following categories:

• Aged and frail, especially those living alone.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Babies and young children.
• Homeless or those camping in tents or caravans.
• People whose physical disabilities or mental illness impair their capacity to self-manage.
• People taking certain types of medications.
• People suffering chronic disease.
• People working outside and particularly undertaking physical exertion or at sporting events.

How to beat the heat

1. Keep the home cool (retrofit, close out the heat/open when cooler, utilise the coolest rooms, turn off nonessentials).
2. Keep out of the heat (if you have to go outside, go early or late in the day, change schedules if needed, move to a cooler place if required e.g. other people’s homes, cooler public spaces).
3. Keep the body cool and hydrated (light loose clothes, damp cloth or shower, spray water, drink plenty of water).
4. Help others if you can (be part of a buddy system, volunteer to be the person on a care plan).
5. Know what to do if you have a health problem(know danger signs, medication care, what to do in an emergency).
6. Know what to do when others feel unwell (know the danger signs, medication care, what to do in an emergency).