Health authorities are urging Riverina residents to prepare themselves for a weekend of very hot weather.
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Murrumbidgee Local Health District acting director of public health Alison Nikitas said people should take the risk of heat-related illness seriously, with temperatures predicted to climb as high as 42 degrees on Sunday and Monday.
She said heat related illness could affect anyone and cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat strokem as well as potentially making underlying health conditions worse.
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Heat wave conditions may be more dangerous for people who live alone, the elderly, infants and children and people with a chronic medical condition.
"This is the time that we need to keep an eye on our neighbours and keep an eye our younger members of our families, and the elderly," Ms Nikitas said.
Simple steps to minimise people's risk of heat-related illness include:
- Drink plenty of water, and remember to carry some with you when you're out and about.
- If you are travelling, make sure you take water to drink in case you break down or are delayed.
- 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.
Please remember, while rivers and dams are popular places to cool off during heat waves, they can be dangerous places to cool off if you are not familiar with swimming in these ever changing conditions, are not a confident swimmer, or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.