NSW Ambulance is urging people to limit time outside with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasting extreme heatwave conditions for the Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, South West Slopes and Riverina from Wednesday 7 January.
NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan, Associate Director Emergency Management said people need to take steps now to prepare themselves with extreme heatwave conditions forecasted to expand and peak later this week.
“Look out for each other during this heatwave by limiting outdoor activity, drinking plenty of water, and checking in on vulnerable community members,” Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan said.
“The real danger isn’t just one hot day, it’s the relentless heat over consecutive days, which means your body needs time to recover. Make cooling down and hydration a priority.”
Maximum temperatures are forecast to reach the high thirties to mid forties over the coming days in locations such as Albury, Batemans Bay, Bega, Goulburn, Nowra, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong.
NSW Ambulance has issued a Watch & Act warning for this extreme heatwave, start taking action now to protect you and your family.
- Stay hydrated – make sure you drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle with you.
- Keep cool – seek air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made of natural fabrics.
- Avoid the heat – schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat.
- Be prepared for power outages – make sure your emergency kit is prepared.
- Check in on vulnerable people – hot weather can affect everyone, but some people are at greater risk of heat-related health problems. This includes people aged 65 years and older, babies and young children, and people with some medical conditions.
- Store food and medications at a safe temperature – most medications should be stored below 25 degrees Celsius.
Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps. People with these symptoms should move out of the sun and seek shade or use a fan or air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath if possible and take sips of water.
People who do not respond to these steps or who show symptoms suggesting a more severe illness, including a sudden rise in body temperature, who are no longer sweating, showing aggressive or strange behaviour or who are fitting, should seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000).
