How to stay safe in the heat

From 5.30am Friday, the forecast called for 39℃ on Sunday and 45℃ on Monday.

At 4.30pm, the updated temperatures were 38℃ on Sunday and 44℃ on Monday.

EARLIER: 3.43pm

Record-breaking heat is expected in the Shepparton area on Monday, December 16.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a high of 45℃, following a warm day on Sunday, which is expected to hit 39℃.

The forecast could potentially change in the next day or two, and the bureau suggested people stay up to date by checking the website.

If the high eventuates, it will make Monday the hottest December day on record in the Shepparton area since recording began in 1965.

Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related hospitalisations and death in all states in Australia except Tasmania, according to independent public policy think tank, The Australia Institute.

Excessive heat is especially dangerous for vulnerable populations, including older adults, very young children, pregnant people, people with chronic illnesses, and those who are socio-economically disadvantaged.

As the mercury rises, health officials are urging people to take steps to stay safe.

Goulburn Valley Health released tips ahead of the weekend to help protect against heat-related illness.

Tips include:

It’s also recommended that community members know how to spot and respond to heat-related illness.

Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, pale skin, muscle cramps, rapid pulse, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fainting.

People experiencing heatstroke can exhibit similar symptoms but the skin may be dry and the individual may be confused and agitated with a very high body temperature.

First aid for heat-related illness includes cooling the affected person quickly by doing things like wetting their skin, fanning them continuously, and applying ice packs or crushed ice in a damp towel to the neck, groin or armpits.

Call triple zero for an ambulance if the person is not improving or you suspect they are experiencing heatstroke.

As well as ensuring the people around you are okay, it’s important to make sure pets are safe, too, according to local vets.

GV Vets veterinarian Brett Davis said it’s important to keep animals inside in air conditioning if possible, avoid activity during the hottest part of the day, and ensure pets are hydrated.

Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to heat if left in enclosed areas like parked cars, where temperatures can more than double within minutes, according to the office of the Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas.

“With summer upon us, it is an important reminder that chronic health conditions can be exacerbated in the heat and leaving kids or animals in hot parked cars can have deadly consequences,” Ms Thomas said.

Parked cars are often 20 to 30 degrees hotter than outside, which can be deadly for children, whose body temperatures rise much faster than adults.

Ambulance Victoria data shows paramedics made 117 callouts to people in locked cars in November with the total reports in the past year surpassing 1,210.

The vast majority of cases involved children under 13 years of age.

Leaving the windows of a parked car down has little effect on reducing the temperature, with tests showing that when windows are left open 10 centimetres, the temperature will only reduce by five degrees.

With high temperatures, strong winds, and possible lightning predicted for Monday, the CFA are urging people to keep fire safety top of mind as well.

“We’re fully prepared, our crews will be on high alert,” CFA District 22 Commander Rod Railton said.

Mr Railton said hot winds would dry out fuels and make the potential for fast-moving fires higher.

He urged people to avoid fires in open air during the coming hot days, particularly on Monday.

He asked that members of the public who see a fire call triple zero to help ensure a quick response from crews.

Mr Railton said there’s likely to be a total fire ban on Monday.

For those who may struggle to escape the heat, the Greater Shepparton City Council has identified several cooling centres across the region to provide relief from high temperatures.

The designated locations offer air-conditioned environments where people can cool down.

The council’s community director, Louise Mitchell, said such locations are essential during hot conditions.

“Knowing where they can go during these events will provide a sense of relief to those most affected and in need of support,” Ms Mitchell said.

“We understand that heat and hot weather can be challenging and even dangerous for many in our community and the cooling centres are there to provide a safe, comfortable place for everyone during these conditions,” she said.

Those attending any of the centres are encouraged to bring along any necessary medications, a water bottle to stay hydrated and any personal items for comfort that they may need.

More information about cooling centres, including hours of operations, can be found at greatershepparton.com.au/heatwave

The council advises residents to prepare for hot weather on Monday, and also monitor updates regarding potential service closures or changes to operations.