With the mercury rising over the next few days, health officials are warning residents to take the risk of heat-related illness seriously.
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Thursday’s maximum is expected to reach a peak of 37 degrees, while Friday’s top is expected to be a marginally cooler 36 degrees.
Director of public health Tracey Oakman for the Murrumbidgee Local Health District said while heat-related illness may affect anyone, certain groups were particularly vulnerable.
These include the over 75s, infants and children, people with a chronic medical condition and people who live alone.
“The heat has arrived early this summer and this can have a bigger impact on well-being as people are not yet acclimatised,” Mrs Oakman said.
“Every year hot weather and heat waves cause illness, hospitalisations and sometimes even deaths.”
During hot weather, it is very important to stay in regular contact with your elderly friends, neighbours and relatives, and to look out for other vulnerable members of your community, Mrs Oakman said.
“Heat puts a lot of strain on the body and can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It can also make underlying health conditions worse. However, being prepared and taking some simple precautions can reduce the risk of heat- related illness,” she said;
These simple precautions could help people minimise their risk of heat-related illness:
- Drink plenty of water, and remember to carry some with you when you’re out and about.
- Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks.
- Plan your day around the heat. Stay indoors between 11am and 5pm and minimise physical activity.
- Keep the sun out of your house by shading windows with an awning, shade- cloth or plants. Shutting curtains will also help.
Pet owners are also being reminded to make sure their pets are ready for the heat, with lots of easily accessible water and shade to help animals stay cool.
