HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING TODAY'S EXTREME HEAT

Heat waves should not be
underestimated.
They are among Australia's most-lethal
natural disasters, and killed 374 people
in 2009 and 167 in 2014, according to
Ambulance Victoria.
It advises people to:

(1) Drink water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
(2) Always carry a water bottle with you.
(3)Never leave adults, children or pets in hot
cars, where the temperature can double within
minutes.
(4) Plan to stay in cool places.
(5)Dress light and take cool showers.
Eat small, cold meals.
(6) Avoid going out in the hottest part of the day,
which is likely to be between noon and 6pm.
(7) Look after your pets by giving them a cool
(8) bath and a wet towel to lie on next to a fan.
Note:Most importantly, check on the welfare
of others who are most at risk –
neighbours who might live alone, the
elderly, and people with medical
conditions.
The symptoms of heat-related illnesses
include
Heat cramps: muscle pains and spasms.
Heat exhaustion: sweating, pale complexion,
rapid heart rate, dizziness, nausea, vomiting.
Heat stroke: the most dangerous. Similar
symptoms to heat exhaustion except sweating
stops, and mental confusion sets in.
In the case of heat exhaustion, drink
water, wet the skin with cloths and get to
a cool area before calling a doctor.
If heat stroke is suspected, call 000
immediately.
BUSHFIRES
A total fire ban has been declared across
the state, and fire danger is extreme in
the Mallee, Wimmera, South West and
Central Victoria.
No fires are to be lit, and the CFA is
urging people to avoid using chainsaws
and lawn-mowers.
Farmers considering rolling tractors and
other farm machinery through crops or
vegetation are strongly asked not to do
so.
Driving in the heat:
VicRoads says drivers on the roads today
should use extreme caution, and if
possible avoid driving altogether.
Vehicle breakdowns, especially tyre
blowouts, are more likely on hot
days. Being stuck on the side of the road
without air-conditioning is very
dangerous.
 If you must travel:
Before you leave, advise someone of where
you are going and when you expect to arrive.
Carry plenty of fresh drinking water in the car.
Check your tires are inflated to the correct
pressure, and carry a spare.
The rear of the car, where children and pets
often travel, can be much warmer than the
front. Consider directing air vents into the rear
and installing window shades.
If your vehicle does break down, try to
get to a sheltered, shaded area.
Avoid parking your car in an area with
long grass, where its hot exhaust pipe
could pose a fire risk.
Fire bugs:
Crime Stoppers is urging anyone with
information about reckless fire
behaviour – ranging from using welders
or grinders in the open air to
deliberately starting a fire – to report
them on 1800 333 000.
WATER SAFETY
Large crowds are expected to head to
Victoria's waterways and beaches to try
to beat the heat, and Life Saving Victoria
is urging people to take care in the
water.
There have been four drowning deaths in
Victoria in the past two weeks alone.