NSW Ambulance is urging people to prepare now with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasting severe heatwave conditions for the South Coast and Snowy Mountains from Monday (January 6).
NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent, Steve Vaughan, Associate Director Emergency Management said the Watch and Act warning has been downgraded to an Advice warning for the South Coast and an advice warning has been issued for the Snowy Mountains with maximum temperatures in the high twenties to mid thirties in areas such as Batemans Bay, Bega, Bombala and Eden.
“Conditions are slowly easing but now is not the time to be complacent, extreme heat can cause severe illness, hospital admission and even death so it’s important to keep cool and stay hydrated,” Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan said.
NSW Ambulance has issued an Advice warning for this severe heatwave. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.
· Stay hydrated – make sure you drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle with you.
· Keep cool – seek air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made of natural fabrics.
· Avoid the heat – schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat.
· Check in on vulnerable people – hot weather can affect everyone, but some people are at greater risk of heat-related health problems. This includes people aged 65 years and older, babies and young children, and people with some medical conditions.
· Never leave children or pets in a vehicle – leaving children or pets unattended in a car can be fatal. The temperature inside a parked car can double in minutes.
Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps. People with these symptoms should move out of the sun and seek shade or use a fan or air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath if possible and take sips of water.
People who do not respond to these steps or who show symptoms suggesting a more severe illness, including a sudden rise in body temperature, who are no longer sweating, showing aggressive or strange behaviour or who are fitting, should seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000).
