Heat when you have evacuated
If you have left your home, you may not have access to cool accommodation.
If you can’t keep cool where you are or you’re outside for extended time, you are at risk of serious heat-related illnesses.
Call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 for support. The hotline is open 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm weekends and public holidays.
Looking after yourself in extreme heat
When it is very hot it increases the risk of serious heat-related illnesses. Pay attention to your own health and the conditions around you.
Extreme heat affects everyone. But some people are more at risk:
- people over 65
- babies and young children
- pregnant women
- people with acute or chronic health problems
- and people who are socially isolated.
Better Health has more information on dealing with extreme heat betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Heat safety
There are steps you can take to protect yourself and others from the extreme heat.
Stay cool
Wear light and loose clothing.
Keep your skin wet, take cool showers or use a spray bottle or damp cloth.
Go to air-conditioned building if your home is not cool. Or go to other places like a library or a pool.
Drink water
Keep sipping water, especially if you are outside.
Check in with others
Keep in touch with friends, families and neighbours. Looking after each other is important when it is very hot.
Look at the weather forecast
Know what the weather is going to be and plan your activities for a cooler part of the day.
Hot cars kill
The temperature in a parked car can double in minutes. Never leave kids, adults or pets in cars.
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a serious condition. It occurs when your core body temperature rises to 38°C to 39°C. It can progress to heatstroke.
Signs of heat exhaustion include:
- dizziness and headache
- pale complexion and sweating
- rapid heart rate
- nausea and vomiting
- muscle cramps and weakness
- fainting.
Seek immediate medical help by calling Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24 or contact the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department at vved.org.au/patients
Heat stroke
Heatstroke might happen when your core body temperature rises above 40°C and blood flow to internal organs is restricted.
Signs of heat stroke include:
- confused and delirious mental state
- your body stops sweating
- stroke-like symptoms or collapsing
- rapid strong pulse
- seizure
- unconsciousness.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. You should call Triple Zero (000) straight away.
