"Heat warning' to Goulburn Valley community

Declan Martin reports in today’s Shepparton News – “Heat warning – people told to exercise caution as temperature to hit 42 C”.

Local authorities are urging people to protect themselves from the heat with the Goulburn Valley set to experience its hottest day so far for 2016 with a forecast to temperature of 42°C.

Tomorrow will cap of a warm start to the week with temperatures above 35°C both yesterday and today but relief should come with a cool change on Thursday with rain expected to bring down the maximum to 23°C.

Country Fire Authority CFA District 23 operations officer Tony Owen is urging people to exercise extreme caution tomorrow.

“A severe weather warning is currently in place for Wednesday but it’s expected that many part of the State including Northern Country (this includes District 22) could be upgraded to a total fire ban late Tuesday,” he said.

“When you have a day that is bordering on a total fire ban, I hope people show common sense and ask themselves, ‘Do I need to be doing this on a day this hot?’

“Activities such as using an angle grinder, lighting up a barbeque at an outdoor park or travelling in a bush environment will probably have to wait on Wednesday.”

Ambulance Victoria State Health Commander Paul Holman said heat killed more Australians than any other natural disaster.

“Survive the heat by staying indoors and turning on your air conditioner or fan and avoid strenuous activity,” he said.

“If you must go outside, restrict it to the coolest parts of the day and wear a hat and use sunscreen and take a bottle of water with you.”

Greater Shepparton’s community director Kaye Thompson said it was important residents kept an eye on those within the population who were vulnerable.

This included people aged over 65, particular those living without air conditioning; children under five; pregnant or breast feeding women and people with existing medical conditions.

“Many vulnerable people do not have friends or relatives living nearby,” Ms Thompson said.

“So if you have an elderly neighbour or live near someone you know is unwell, make sure you keep an eye on them during the hot weather.

“We also encourage people or businesses where staff are required to work outdoors in the heat to look to alternatives to ensure good health of their staff.

“This could include starting and finishing work earlier, or working indoors if possible,” she added.