Tuesday evening’s Shepparton meeting has been cancelled due to the extreme heat forecast.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is predicting temperatures to reach 43 degrees.
The decision has been made in the interests of horse and participant welfare.
The announcement follows the cancellation of Mildura’s meeting on Wednesday, which was announced on Saturday.
For more information on Harness Racing Victoria’s Extreme Weather Policy, please click here.
Vic Emergency warning:
Vic Emergency issued a “prepare now” warning for extreme heat across the state of Victoria.
- Severe to extreme intensity heatwave conditions will peak on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- South-western parts of the state will begin to cool from the middle of the week.
- Heatwave conditions may be felt by the rest of the state to Sunday 1st February.
- Back-to-back days of extreme heat with high overnight temperatures can interfere with your body’s natural ability to cool down. This can cause heat illness, including cramps and heat exhaustion. Untreated heat illness can lead to heatstroke – a life-threatening condition.
- This Advice message replaces the Advice issued at 6.41pm on 24th January.
Prepare now to stay safe in the heat. Be aware of the risk of heat-related health problems and plan ahead to keep yourself and others safe.
What you should do:
- Heat can make anyone sick.
- Heat can cause serious and potentially fatal health problems such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, trigger sudden events like heart attack or stroke, or worsen medical conditions like kidney or lung disease.
- People over 65 years old, the very young and those with a pre-existing medical condition are most at risk.
- Know the symptoms of heat-related illness and monitor your health. For more information, visit: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/heat-stress-and-heat-related-illness
- Stay cool on hot days: Use an air conditioner or a fan, wear light and loose clothing, or splash or spray cool water onto your skin.
- Keep hydrated: Always take a drink bottle with you.
- Check in with family, friends and neighbours: Let people know you are OK or check in on those at increased risk including people over the age of 65, young children and babies, pregnant women, people with acute or chronic health problems and people who are socially isolated.
- Plan ahead: Cancel or reschedule activities for a cooler time of the day and check the weather forecast regularly at https://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/
- Heat can stress animals. Provide cool, clean water and shade for your pets and animals.
For health advice:
- Call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 or see your doctor if you require medical advice.
- If you need urgent attention, visit your local Urgent Care Clinic.
- In a non-life threatening emergency contact the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.
- In a life threatening emergency call Triple Zero (000).
Be safe when swimming:
Take care when cooling off at beaches, rivers or inland waterways:
- Learn about rip current safety.
- Swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags.
- Monitor weather reports for changing conditions.
- Wear a lifejacket when boating.
- Read safety signs at waterways.
- Consider your own safety when attempting a rescue.
- Respect the river by looking for hidden dangers, such as submerged objects.
- Always supervise children around water. If they are under five years old, they should be within arm’s reach, and those 10 years old and under should remain in your line of sight.
- Find a patrolled swimming location at beachsafe.org.au
Events:
- Event organisers should consider their capacity to run safe events in these conditions.
If your power goes out:
- Keep your skin wet using a spray bottle or damp sponge.
- Take cool showers or foot baths with cool tap water.
- Wear light and loose-fitting clothing.
- Consider visiting an air-conditioned building such as a library or shopping centre.
- Use blinds or curtains to block the sun.
Impacts in your area:
- Power outages are more likely during hot weather due to equipment failures, high demand and the impact of bushfires.
- For information on how to prepare for and deal with power outages, visit www.energy.vic.gov.au/safety-and-emergencies/power-outages
This message was issued by Department of Health.
Use multiple sources to stay informed:
- www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- VicEmergency Hotline – freecall 1800 226 226
- VicEmergency app
- Facebook or Twitter
- Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
Accessibility:
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency.
- To access this information in other languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.
- If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact the National Relay Service and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.
