With temperatures set to soar across NSW over the Australia Day Long Weekend the community is once again being asked not to take risks when trying to keep cool.
Advice from the Bureau of Meteorology indicates temperatures are expected to increase over the weekend to above 40 degrees in some areas of NSW.
State Emergency Operations Controller, NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy, is reminding the public not to take unnecessary risks.
"I cannot stress strongly enough to motorists how dangerous it can be for children or pets to be left unattended in a vehicle. It can be deadly," Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
"It can be just as dangerous to leave the elderly and vulnerable members of the community in cars during days of extreme heat.
"If you see pets, children or vulnerable people located in a car, phone Triple Zero (000) immediately."
Deputy Commissioner Loy added that another concern is that, while the NSW school holidays are almost over, there are still thousands of tourists, campers, and other holidaymakers in unfamiliar environments.
"We are urging everyone to take extra care, especially when swimming; whether at the beach, pools or in rivers.
"Every year thousands of people require rescuing from the surf, some needlessly drown," Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
Everyone needs to take care in hot weather, but some people are at higher risk of heat illness, especially if they are older, live alone or are socially-isolated.
Where possible spend some time in an air-conditioned building. For more information please refer to the Beat the Heat website: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/pages/default.aspx
Livestock and pet owners are also being urged to ensure adequate clean water and shaded areas are always available. Additionally, animals should never be left in confined, unventilated areas.
Members of the public should also regularly visit the Rural Fire Service website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for updated bush fire warnings and information.
For updated weather forecasts and warnings visit www.bom.gov.au
