Heatwave HELP

With hot weather predicted for later this week, it’s worth asking: How well do you cope with heat, and how about your family, friends, or neighbours? 

Extreme heat is Australia’s deadliest weather hazard, causing more deaths than bushfires, floods and storms combined. More than half of Australia’s heat-related deaths in the past decade occurred in Victoria.

The Heatwave H.E.L.P. project, delivered with Hepburn Shire, the Grampians Public Health Unit and Central Highlands Rural Health, uses H.E.A.T. to explain who is most at risk:

• H – Home and Environment: Homes that can’t stay cool, especially older buildings or places without air-conditioning, insulation or shade, can become dangerously hot. During heatwaves, nights often stay warm, giving the body little chance to recover.

• E – Environment and Social Connections: People who are socially isolated, work outdoors, lack access to weather information, or live in remote areas face higher risk. Heatwaves can also cause power outages, removing access to fans, cooling or help.

• A – Age and Underlying Conditions: Babies, children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable because their bodies struggle to regulate temperature

• T – Taking Medications: Some common medicines, including those for blood pressure, mental health or fluid retention, can affect the body’s ability to stay cool or hydrated. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your heat risk before summer

There are simple ways to stay SAFE:

• S – Stay cool: Drink water regularly (unless your doctor advises otherwise), use fans or air-conditioning, or spend time in cool public places.

• A – Avoid the heat: Stay indoors between 11am and 4pm when temperatures peak.

• F – Family and Friends: Check on older or isolated people.

• E – Emergency Alerts: Use emergency apps and weather warnings to stay updated.

Before the temperatures rise, think about the simple measures you can put in place to keep yourself and others safe during the heat.

Cool Spaces in Clunes?

Creek Walk is shady in the early morning. A chance to stretch your legs before the heat of the day.

Swimming Pool. Check hours online or signage at the pool.

Coffee shops all have air-conditioning.

Pub has air-conditioning and open in the cooler times of day and evening.

On days of a declared (Vic Emergency App) heatwave, 25 Fraser Street is open from 6pm - 9pm, including a light supper. No cost. Just a cool drop in space.