Alice, 6, enjoys the water at Brighton Beach. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: News Limited
WITH a heatwave overcoming Melbourne from today, power companies and health experts have issued some tips for householders on how to stay cool and safe.
>> Eight places to beat the heat in Melbourne
Precool your home
AGL Energy markteting retail and sales general manager Mark Brownfield said there were several things people could do to precool their homes.
Mr Brownfield said people could close all windows, draw blinds and pull down awnings first thing in the morning to shade their home.
"Fans should be used in the first instance and when you do put the air conditioning on, it is best to target a temperature between 23C and 26C," he said.
"Also consider closing off rooms that are not being used and minimising trips in and out of the home."
People flocked to Brighton Beach for a dip yesterday. Picture: Hamish Blair
Watch for heat stress
Health authorities have also sent out heat warning messages, and have asked people to seek medical attention if they feel unwell.
Australian Medical Association Victoria president Stephen Parnis said hospital admissions increased during extreme heat, with the elderly and young children more prone to heat stroke and fluid loss.
"When the body cannot cool itself to maintain a healthy temperature, many people experience dizziness, fainting, exhaustion, heat stroke and a worsening of existing medical conditions," Dr Parnis said.
"This weather can be extremely dangerous, and during the next few days it is important to check in with elderly parents or neighbours, especially those that live by themselves, as they may be in distress."
Victoria's Chief Health Officer, Rosemary Lester, said heat-related illnesses could affect anybody and warned they could range from mild conditions such as rashes or cramps to very serious conditions such as heat stroke.
"Importantly, heat may worsen the condition of someone who already has a medical condition such as heart disease," Dr Lester said.
She advised people spend as much time as possible indoors, avoid strenuous activity such as sports, home maintenance or gardening, placing wet towels on your arms or neck and taking cool - not cold - showers.
Cars potentially deadly
Dr Parnis also reminded parents not to leave children unattended in a car, even with the windows down.
"This is a criminal offence in Victoria as it can have fatal consequences. The temperature inside a parked car can be as much as 20 to 30 degrees higher than the outside temperature," he said.
Ambulance Victoria reported that last summer an average of five Triple Zero calls a day were made to report someone locked in a car, almost 90 per cent of them for children.
Temperatures are expected to hit the 40s this week. Source: Supplied
Check on elderly relatives, friends
Commissioner for Senior Victorians Gerard Mansour urged people to look out for older or sick relatives, friends and neighbours who were particularly at risk.
"Elderly people are more prone to heat stress than younger people because their body may not adjust well to sudden temperature change," Mr Mansour said.
"They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition and to be taking medication that may interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature.
Stay safe at work
With many people now back on the job, WorkSafe has reminded Victorians to protect themselves against heat-related illness and injuries while on the clock.
WorkCover health and safety director Jarrod Edwards asked people to look out for one another.
"If you or your employees are working outdoors, look out for one another and look out for signs and symptoms such as heat stroke, fainting, heat exhaustion, cramps, rashes (also called prickly heat) and fatigue," Mr Edwards said.
"If you are feeling sick, nauseous, dizzy or weak, stop work and hydrate. Heat-related illnesses arise when the body is unable to properly cope with high temperatures.
"It is important to drink a cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and loose cotton shirts with collars and sleeves, will also provide you with protection from the hot sun."
Mr Edwards said practical solutions such as using fans or air-conditioning to increase air flow, erecting shade cloth to reduce heat on work areas and providing regular rest and drink breaks could assist in preventing heat-relating illnesses.
"Other factors such as the humidity, radiant heat, air movement, the nature and duration of the work, and individual physical fitness levels all play a part in working safely on hot days."
Hamish the dog shakes off after a soaking during a heatwave.
Keep eye on furry friends
Humans aren't the only ones who can feel the heat.
Lort Smith Animal Hospital general manager for vet services Russell Harrison reminded pet-owners to keep animals inside, where possible, and with plenty of water.
"Symptoms such as excessive panting, excessive salivation or lethargy could be signs your animal is suffering from heat stress and could be fatal. You should take them to the vet straight away, and make sure it is cool in the car," Dr Harrison said.
Pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs and dogs that were overweight, had heart disease or long hair, were more susceptible to heat stress, he said.
Water safety
With the scorching temperatures predicted for the coming days, Life Saving Victoria research and injury prevention manager Bernadette Matthews said it was important to be aware of water safety.
"Always read the safety signs at the entrance to the beach or inland waterway, to understand hazards and dangers before entering the water," she said.
Dr Matthews said beaches across the state would be patrolled by volunteer lifesavers and professional lifeguards this week.
"Our lifeguards monitor the beach conditions closely and ensure the swimming area between the red and yellow flags is away from rips and other hazards; we urge people to swim at these patrolled beaches, between the red and yellow flags, where our lifesavers are looking out for you in the water," Dr Matthews said.
"Never swim alone, always make sure someone else is looking out for you around water. Likewise, never let a mate head out alone."
Cousins Lana, 2, and Brayden, 3, keep their cool at Williamstown beach. Source: News Limited
Dedicated volunteers at Carrum Surf Lifesaving Club will brave the heat today to run extra patrols to keep beachgoers safe during the sweltering heatwave.
"You should also check with someone local who knows the conditions - particularly for inland waterways, there can be changed currents and underwater hazards.
"It is easy to get distracted at this time of year with so much activity going on, however when you are in or around water, children under five should be in your arm's reach at all times and children under 10 should always be in your sight."
Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness:
* confusion
* drowsiness
* nausea
* vomiting
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