Premier

Survive The Heat This Summer

16 December 2015

The Andrews Labor Government today launched a new campaign to help Victorians prepare for, and survive, a potentially deadly summer.

The new Survive the Heat campaign raises awareness about the seriousness of extreme heat, and shares important tips on how to stay safe in the dangerous summer sun.

Extreme heat kills more people in Australia than any other natural disaster.

Facts show that during the 2009 heatwave, the number of deaths in Victoria increased by 374 people. During the 2014 heatwave the number of deaths increased by 167.

In January 2014, when temperatures hit 44 degrees, paramedics faced a 700 per cent increase in call outs for cardiac arrests in one day.

The Labor Government’s new campaign urges all Victorians to take heatwaves seriously – as they would any other natural disaster such as a bushfire – and get prepared.

The campaign focuses on simple steps everyone can take to stay safe during heatwaves, including:

  • Drinking more water, at least two litres a day
  • Keeping cool and seeking out air-conditioned buildings
  • Planning ahead and scheduling activities in the coolest part of the day
  • Looking out for most vulnerable – this might be your neighbour living alone, the elderly, the young, and people with a medical condition

People at highest risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke include people aged over 65, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, babies and young children, people with disabilities and people who work outdoors.

Also running this year will be the No Kids in Hot Cars campaign that warns parents about the dangers of leaving children in cars.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy

“Extreme heat can be deadly – that’s why we want everyone to take hot days seriously and make sure we look out for one another so we can help save lives.”

“Heat stroke is fatal in up to 80 per cent of cases and isolated, older Victorians are particularly at risk. A quick call to your neighbours to make sure they’re prepared for a hot day will help ensure their safety.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos

“The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes, and children are especially vulnerable because their body temperature heats up three to five times faster than adults.”

“Hot cars can kill. I urge all parents to never leave kids unattended in cars – there are no excuses and no exceptions.”

Reviewed 10 February 2021

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