The Bureau of Meteorology has warned heatwave conditions are forecast for the coming three days. In many parts of Western and Central Western NSW, temperatures are expected to be in excess of 40 degrees. In the rest of NSW, the temperature is expected to be in the mid to high 30s. Hot temperatures are expected to abate on Thursday 14 January 2016.
NSW Health has advised people should take simple precautions to ensure they stay healthy in the heat by;
- Staying well hydrated;
- Avoiding alcohol and hot or sugary drinks;
- Limiting your physical activity; and,
- Trying to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
If you can, it’s a good idea to spend some time in an air-conditioned building.
Everyone needs to take care in hot weather but some people are at higher risk of heat illness, especially if they are older, live alone or are socially-isolated.
Signs of heat-related illness include confusion, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, weakness, headaches and loss of sweating.
Look after those at higher risk, including contacting them to make sure they are coping and have taken appropriate precautions.
People showing any of these signs should seek urgent medical attention through their GP or local emergency department.
For more information please refer to the Beat the Heat website: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/Pages/default.aspx
The New South Wales Department of Primary advise owners of all pets and livestock to ensure adequate clean water is always available and that shading is provided where possible. No animals should be left in confined, unventilated areas such as locked cars.
Intensive large animal holdings, including poultry and piggeries should ensure cooling and watering systems are functioning and backup plans are in place in case of system failures.
The NSW Rural Fire Service warns that given the hot and dry conditions forecast for much of the State, residents need to be prepared and to remain vigilant.
To prepare for the threat of bushfires residents should;
- Know the bush fire danger rating for your area – available on the NSW RFS website or look for the roadside signs;
- Prepare a Bush Fire Survival Plan and act on it. It is not too late to make a plan tonight;
- Stay informed via local media, news websites, plus the RFS website, Facebook page and Twitter feed;
- Report any unattended fire immediately to Triple Zero.
Further information, including Bush Fire Survival Plans is available from the NSW Rural Fire Service (http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au)
