With severe heatwave conditions forecast across much of NSW over the coming days, it’s important to be prepared. This summer is set to be a hot one so please take the time to plan to ‘beat the heat’. Check on your family, neighbours, and friends. Have a heat plan in place to help protect you and your loved ones during these hot summer months.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare and stay safe in the heat.
- Prepare your home. Check fridges, freezers, fans, and air-conditioners work properly and put together a small emergency kit in case of a power failure. If you don’t have cooling at home, seek out a safe place to go such as the air-conditioned library, Dungog swimming pool, or a shady spot in one of the many parks around the shire.
- Keep track of the weather. Regularly check the weather forecast to monitor the heat.
- Have a heatwave preparation checklist. Consider who to call if you need help, where to find your emergency kit, and be prepared for bushfires.
- Keep in touch. Think about friends and family who may need your help in the heat. Older people and babies and children 0-5 are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Understand your health. Your health can be affected during a heatwave, especially if you have a medical condition. Speak to your doctor and have a plan for heatwaves.
- Know your medications. Many prescribed medications can make the risk of heat-related illness worse and most need to be stored below 25 degrees Celsius. Talk to your GP or pharmacist about correct storage temperatures.
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