Coping with the heat

Hot days can still be expected before summer eases into autumn.

And the likelihood of that happening has prompted a message from Baw Baw Shire mayor Joe Gauci for people to be prepared to cope.

As well as looking after ourselves the mayor urged people to keep a check on others that may be of greater risk of heat exhaustion, such as neighbours that live alone, young children and people with medical conditions.

“The risk of heat stress is higher for older people especially if they are on medications, all of which affect the way bodies react to heat”.

Cr Gauci also offered a few tips on how to beat any hot weather.

“Drink at least two litres of water a day, seek out air-conditioned buildings, draw blinds and take cool showers”.

Make the most of cooler public spaces and for those without air-conditioning at home look at visiting a friend that does, a shopping centre or even take a trip to a library, Cr Gauci said.

Other suggestions were cooler venues such as the Warragul Leisure Centre and the shire’s other outdoor pools at Drouin, Neerim South, Rawson, Trafalgar and Thorpdale.

Cr Gauci said if someone was unwell because of the heat a call should be made to Nurse-oncall on 1300 60 60 24 or, in an emergency, to 000.