The EPA and VicEmergency issue air quality alerts when air quality levels reach certain conditions. They also include advice about what to do when it's smoky outside and information about how bushfire, woodfire heater and other types of smoke can impact your health.
More Information on Air Quality
It is important that you understand how to look after yourself and others in a heat event — a period of unusual and uncomfortable hot weather. Heat events can cause illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which may be fatal.
How to Stay Healthy in the Heat
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty (if your doctor normally limits your fluids, check how much to drink during hot weather)
2. Never Leave Anyone in a Car
Never leave kids, adults or pets in cars – the temperature can double in minutes
3. Stay Somewhere Cool
Keep yourself cool using wet towels, putting your feet in cool water and taking cool (not cold) showers
Block out the sun by closing curtains and blinds
Turn on air-conditioning or fans and open windows when there is a cool breeze
Stay in cool or air-conditioned buildings. Our library is air-conditioned
Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day
Avoid intense physical activity
If you must go out, stay in the shade and take plenty of water with you
Wear a hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing
4. Plan Ahead
Keep up to date with weather forecasts – check the BOM forecast , watch the news and read the current heat health alert status
Cancel non-essential outings and plan essential activities for the coolest part of the day
Stock up on food, water and medicines so you don’t have to go out in the heat
Visit your doctor to check if changes are needed to your medicines during extreme heat
Store medicines safely at the recommended temperature
Check that your fan or air-conditioner works well. Have your air-conditioner serviced if necessary
Prepare for power failures - ensure you have a torch, battery-operated radio, fully charged mobile phone or battery back-up, food items that don’t require refrigeration, medications, plenty of drinking water and other essential items
Look at the things you can do to make your home cooler such as installing window coverings, shade cloths or external blinds on the sides of the house facing the sun
5. Check in on Others
Look after yourself and keep in touch with sick or frail friends, neighbours and relatives
Call for Help
If you’re feeling unwell see your doctor or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.
In a life-threatening emergency call 000.
Visit the Better Health Channel for tips to survive the heat and for information about how to spot signs of heat-related illness.
Community Infrastructure and Heat
Extreme heat can cause power outages and slow or delay public transport services.
More Information on Heat Health
Heat Health Plan
The aim of the Heat Health Plan is to reduce the risk of harm caused by heat and heat events within Bass Coast Shire.
What is Thunderstorm Asthma
During grass pollen season people may notice an increase in asthma and hay fever. Grass pollen season (October through December) also brings the chance of thunderstorm asthma.
Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high amounts of grass pollen in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm. For people who have asthma or hay fever this can trigger severe asthma symptoms.
When a large number of people develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time, related to high grass pollen and a certain type of thunderstorm, it is known as epidemic thunderstorm asthma.
For up to date information on epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk visit the VicEmergency website or download the VicEmergency app from Google Play or the App Store and set up a 'watch zone'.
Visit the Better Health Channel website for further information.