Stay safe during extreme weather Emergency Management

Stay safe during extreme weather

Storms have started rolling over Victoria’s west ahead of an unprecedented weather event for the state, with Melbourne warned to brace for an entire summer’s worth of rain in the next four days.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for the entire state of Victoria.1

Flash flooding is likely in Melbourne.2

Below you will find advice, guidelines and links to resources and websites to help you stay informed and be prepared for extreme weather including storms, floods and heat.

Stay informed and be prepared:

Staying safe during storms and floods:

  • Stay indoors and away from windows.
  • If outdoors, shelter away from drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
  • Be prepared for power outages.
  • Floodwater is toxic – never play or swim in floodwater.
  • Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater. This is the main cause of death during floods.
  • Never allow children to play in floodwater. This is the main cause of death during floods for children and young people.
  • Stay away from drains, culverts and waterways. Water can flow quickly and have strong currents.
  • Stay well clear of fallen trees, power lines and damaged buildings.

Where to get help:

  • In an emergency, call triple zero (000)
  • VicEmergency Hotline 1800 226 226
  • Your doctor – if you, or someone you know, may be suffering from a heat-related illness
  • NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
  • Department of Health & Human Services – survive the heat information in community languages
  • Maternal and Child Health Line, Victoria Tel. 132 229 (24 hours)

Saying safe during extreme heat:

  • Drink water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Take a bottle with you always.
  • Hot cars kill. Never leave kids, older people or pets in cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes.
  • Keep cool. Seek out air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made from natural fabrics.
  • Plan ahead. Schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat. If you must go out, wear a hat and sunscreen and take a bottle of water with you.
  • Check in on others. Look after those most at risk in the heat – your neighbour living alone, the elderly, the young, people with a medical condition and don’t forget your pets.

Resources:

  • The Department of Health and Human Services’ revised Heat health plan for Victoria provides recommended actions for health and community service providers to take before, during and after extreme heat.
  • A  suite of Survive the Heat resources has been developed to encourage and educate individuals and the community to be aware of the impact of extreme heat on human health. The information is available in a range of formats with a number of resources translated into community languages.
  • How to cope and stay safe in extreme heat  – Better Health Channel website.
  • Download the Emergency Toolkit which will help you before, during and after a storm emergency.

 

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1:Source: Herald Sun, 30 November 2017
2:Source: news.com.au, 30 November 2017

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