Extreme heat can affect anybody
It’s important to understand the risks of heat and the impact it has on our body. In some cases it can cause serious and potentially fatal health problems such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It can trigger sudden events like heart attack or stroke or can worsen existing medical conditions like kidney or lung disease.
Certain people are more at-risk, including people over the age of 65, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with acute or chronic health problems and people who are socially isolated.
Extreme heat can also affect community infrastructure (such as power supply and public transport), and services.
For more information
- Find the latest and forecast temperatures in your area on the Bureau of Meteorology
- Sign up for heat health warnings
- Tips to protect yourself and others from extreme heat
- Signs of heat related problems (Including fact sheets in your language)
- People more at-risk of heat-related health problems (including information in your language)
- Never leave kids in cars
- VicEmergency
The VicEmergency app provides Victorians with access to localised emergency information and warnings for floods, heatwaves, fires, storms and much more. You can receive alerts specific to your home, work and holiday location.
Pets in the heat
Keep your pets cool and happy in the summer.
Don't forget to look after your pets during summer, make sure to:
- provide plenty of fresh, cool water every day
- ensure they have access to shaded, cool areas
- walk your dog early morning or in the evening to protect their paws and prevent them from overheating
- never leave your pet in a car or hot, enclosed space
- if concerned, take your pet to your local vet.
Find out more information from RSPCA about keeping pets cool .
Tips to protect yourself and others from extreme heat
Stay cool
Use air conditioning or fans. Wear light, loose clothing and keep your skin cool with a spray bottle, damp sponge, or cool shower. If your home becomes too hot, consider visiting air conditioned spaces such as libraries, shopping centres, or public pools.
Stay hydrated
Drink water regularly — even before you feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
Stay connected
Check in on family, friends, neighbours, and anyone who may be vulnerable to heat.
Plan ahead
Schedule outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day and monitor weather forecasts.
Hot cars kill
Never leave children, adults, or pets in parked vehicles. Temperatures inside can rise rapidly within minutes. Never leave kids in cars, Better Health Channel
Where to keep cool
Find out where you can go in and around Moonee Valley to cool down, get a drink of water and access help on hot days. You can access our Keep Cool in Moonee Valley Map or check out our handy list of locations below.
List of places to cool down in and around Moonee Valley
Emergency services and urgent care
Emergency services
If you are in a life threatening situation, you should always
- Call Triple Zero (000) for police, fire or ambulance or
- visit your nearest emergency department.
Visit Victorian Government Better Health webpage to find more about emergency, urgent and everyday care services
Urgent care services
If you need urgent healthcare but it’s not life threatening, and you can’t wait to see your GP, Victoria’s range of Urgent Care Services offer free help faster.
Find out more about urgent care options on the Victorian Government Better Health webpage about Urgent Care Services