Murrumbidgee Local Health District is urging people to take the risk of heat-related illness seriously with temperatures in the region expected to reach into the low 40s over the next few days.
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Saturday and Sunday in Young is expected to reach a top of 39 degrees while the maximum temperature on Monday is forecast to reach a balmy 40 degrees.
"Heat related illness may affect anyone, as it can put extra strain on the body and cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke," a MLHD spokesperson said.
"It may also make underlying health conditions worse.
"Heat wave conditions may be more dangerous for the elderly, infants and children and people with a chronic medical condition. If you are concerned about your health during this time, please get in touch with your GP."
Simple steps to minimise people's risk of heat-related illness include:
- Drink plenty of water, and remember to carry some with you when you're out and about.
- If you are travelling, make sure you take water to drink in case you break down or are delayed.
- Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks.
- Plan your day around the heat. Stay indoors between 11am and 5pm and minimise physical activity
- Keep the sun out of your house by shading windows with an awning, shade-cloth or plants. Shutting curtains will also help.
"Please remember, while rivers and dams are popular places to cool off during heat waves, they can be dangerous places to cool off if you are not familiar with swimming in these ever changing conditions, are not a confident swimmer, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol," the spokesperson added.
"This is the time that we need to keep an eye on our neighbours and keep an eye our younger members of our families, and the elderly."
South West Slopes Zone Rural Fire Service Community Safety Officer Tom McDevitt urged people to be vigilant.
"We need everyone to keep vigilant and mindful with hot weather over the next few days," he said.
"People should be careful welding, mowing, slashing anything that omits a spark with hot conditions and humidity down.
"If there is a Total Fire Ban conditions need to be adhered."
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