Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy the outdoors in Boroondara.
But it’s important to plan ahead for extreme heat and high temperatures and to make sure we look out for each other.
To help you stay safe and cool, we’ve compiled advice about where to escape the heat and what to do in an emergency.
Where to escape the heat
In Boroondara, we’re fortunate to have many spaces where you can escape the heat.
- Aquatic and leisure centres
- Arts and gallery spaces
- Community centres and neighbourhood houses
- Libraries
- Parks and reserves
- Shopping centres and villages.
Check their opening hours before you go. We may extend the opening hours at some of these places on days of extreme heat.
Protect yourself and others
There are steps you can take to stay cool and safe to help protect yourself and others:
- Drink plenty of water through the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Never leave a person or a pet in cars. Temperatures inside cars can rise dangerously fast.
- Know the symptoms of heat-related illness.
- Learn ways to prepare your home for heatwaves on our Extreme heat page.
- Wear sunscreen, seek shade and cancel or reschedule activities for a cooler time of the day.
- Check in on family, friends and neighbours, especially those who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.
- Maintain your property to remove the risk of fire hazards, as described on our Fire prevention page.
Care for pets and wildlife
Animals can feel the heat much more than humans and it’s our responsibility to look out for them.
Pets
Unless owners take the necessary precautions, pets can suffer and even die on very hot days.
- Always provide plenty of cool, clean water for your pets. Fill 2 bowls with water in case one is knocked over.
- Ensure pets have access to cool, shady and well ventilated areas during all parts of the day.
- It is best to leave pets at home during heatwaves, they will be much more comfortable in a cool home than riding in a hot car.
Find helpful advice for looking after pets in the heat on the Agriculture Victoria website.
Wildlife
Our local wildlife faces increased risks of heat stress when summer temperatures rise. In extreme conditions, some animals may move from their usual habitats in search of water and shade.
- Provide water and shade for local wildlife.
