WITH temperatures soaring in the Central West this week, NSW Police are urging residents to monitor weather reports and follow heath and safety advice.
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The mercury is predicted to reach as high as the mid 40s in the region this week.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy said advice from the Bureau of Meteorology indicates temperatures were expected to increase during the coming days and into the weekend.
“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,” he said.
“It can be just as dangerous to leave the elderly and disabled 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-0 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,” he said.
“Every year thousands of people require rescuing from the surf, some needlessly drown.
“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.”
Hot weather tips
- 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.
Deputy Commissioner Loy has encouraged people to spendtime in an air-conditioned buildings if possible during the very hot weather.
For more information please refer to the Beat the Heat website.
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 NSW Rural Fire Service website for updated bush fire warnings and information.
For updated weather forecasts and warnings visit the Bureau of Meteorology website.
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
