With temperatures set to soar across NSW this week, the State Emergency Operations Controller is urging residents to monitor weather reports and follow health and safety advice.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy said advice from the Bureau of Meteorology indicates temperatures are expected to increase over the coming days and into the weekend to above 40 degrees in some areas.
"As the weather heats up, I cannot stress strongly enough to motorists that it's not only an offence for children or pets to be left unattended in a vehicle, it can be deadly."
"It can be just as dangerous to leave the elderly and disabled members of the community in cars during days of extreme heat," Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
If you see pets, children or vulnerable people located in a car, phone Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Deputy Commissioner Loy said one of the other main concerns is that the school holidays are only halfway through and there are 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. Remember to;
- Stay well-hydrated
- Avoid alcohol and hot or sugary drinks
- Limit your physical activity
- Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton
- Regularly check your forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology on radio, TV, internet or App
- Get advice from your doctor about whether your medication and/or your medical conditions may affect what you should do if it gets extremely hot
- Make sure you know who you are going to call (who may need help, and who could provide help to you if needed); make a list of telephone numbers and make sure they are current.
If you can, it's a good idea to 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.
