Heat health

• look after yourself and keep in touch with sick or frail friends, neighbours and relatives
• drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty (if your doctor normally limits your fluids, check how much to drink during hot weather)
• keep yourself cool by using wet towels on your arms or neck, putting your feet in cool water and taking cool (not cold) showers
• spend as much time as possible in cool or air-conditioned buildings (for example, shopping centres, libraries, cinemas or community centres)
• block out the sun during the day by closing curtains and blinds. Open windows when there is a cool breeze
• do not leave children, adults or animals in parked vehicles
• stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. If you must go out, stay in the shade and take plenty of water with you. Wear a hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing
• eat smaller meals more often and eat cold meals such as salads. Make sure food that needs refrigeration is properly stored
• avoid strenuous activity like sport, home improvements and gardening
• watch or listen to news reports that provide more information during a heatwave

If you have a medical condition see your doctor and make sure the condition is as well controlled as possible.

• if your doctor normally limits your fluids, check how much to drink in hot weather
• improve your aerobic fitness prior to summer
• lose excess weight
• undertake regular moderate exercise in warmer weather prior to severe hot weather to enable your body to adapt and cope better with hot weather

Preparing for a heatwave

• check that your fan or air-conditioner works well. Have your air-conditioner serviced if necessary
• stock up on food, water and medicines so you don’t have to go out in a heatwave
• store medicine safely at the recommended temperature
• look at the things you can do to make your home cooler such as installing awnings, shade cloth or external blinds on the sides of the house facing the sun

Preparing for a power failure

• think about what you would do if a heatwave caused loss of electricity or disrupted public transport
• ensure you have a torch, fully charged mobile phone or a telephone that will work without electricity, battery‑operated radio and sufficient batteries

Pets

•  ensure your pets and animal companions are also well hydrated and have plenty of shade when they are outside

Council, in conjunction with Hobsons Bay Police and Gateway Community Services, has established a Community Register. It is a confidential and secure database of Hobsons Bay residents who are over 50 years of age and/or have a disability. Volunteers from Gateway Community Services provide regular phone calls to check on their wellbeing, providing comfort and peace of mind.

Participation is voluntary and registration is free.

Please contact Gateway Community Services on 9399 3511 or to register yourself visit www.gatewaycommunityservices.org.au and download a registration form.