Summer is a time of holidays and family fun, but it can also be a season of weather extremes, so preparing makes sense.
The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology has declared a El Nino weather pattern is underway, with high chance of unusually warm temperatures for most of Australia until at least February 2024.
Stay informed by using the VicEmergency app to check for significant weather conditions including heatwaves, bushfire and thunderstorm asthma alerts and follow Council’s social media accounts to stay up to date.
Stay cool
Heat kills more Australians each year than any natural disaster. Those most at risk are older people, young children and people with a medical condition.
Help stay safe in the heat with these simple tips:
- Drink plenty of water
- Never leave anyone or pets in a car
- Stay inside and park your car in the shade
- Keep blinds closed and air conditioning on
- Plan ahead
- Check in on others.
Bayside libraries are always a cool option on a hot day if you can’t chill at home.
Wildlife
Snakes and other reptiles enjoy time in the sun. If you come across a snake, leave it alone and keep pets away.
If you are bitten by a snake, stay calm, call Triple 000, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the wound and remain still until the ambulance arrives. Do not wash, suck, cut or tourniquet the bite area.
Stingrays like to hang out in the bay too. If you are stung, seek medical attention.
Be prepared
The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) has some fantastic tools to help you be better prepared for emergency events.
