After several days of cloud and cooler conditions, a very welcome drop of rain fell last Friday – as much as 22mm for some to the north of Brown’s Gap Road, but considerably less for those south of the highway.
However the heat is on again this week and the long dry spell continues with worse expected before more rain comes our way on the weekend.
The forecast for Thursday is: Hot and sunny. Light winds becoming E 15 to 25 km/h in the late afternoon, and temperatures ranging from 15° overnight to a searing 34° and a Very High Fire Danger Rating.
Therefore a Total Fire Ban for the Central Ranges, Southern Slopes and Southern Ranges has been declared for Thursday.
Stay cool, stay safe and stay up to date. http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
Precautions to be observed in times of Heatwave – from the ABC Emergency site
EMERGENCY SERVICES
The State Emergency Service is the lead agency during a heatwave, usually working with other State Government departments including, health, community services and transport.
Your local doctor, hospital or health professional is a source of advice if in doubt. All life-threatening situations should be reported by calling 000.
The Bureau of Meteorology is now forecasting heatwaves as part of a pilot project – see the latest heatwave forecast on its website.
BEFORE A HEATWAVE
Adequate preparation is essential for heatwave, especially for people who are at high risk, especially elderly people, babies and young children and people with health and mobility problems.
Stay hydrated – it’s recommended that you drink two to three litres of water, even you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Dress light – avoid dressing in heavy clothing to allow your body to maintain a normal temperature. Light coloured clothing reflects heat and sunlight
Check on your family and friends – at least twice a day, check on the welfare of people who are at risk such as the sick and elderly. Keep a close eye on young children
Take shelter – avoid extended exposure to the sun and if you need to be out in the conditions wear a shirt, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Sunburn will affect your body’s ability to cope with the heat
Get your home ready – draw your curtains, blinds and awnings at the start of the day to keep as much sun out of your home
Seek air-conditioning – if you don’t have air conditioning at home then arrange to spend the day in a shopping centre, library or other public place. If you have an air conditioner at home, make sure it’s serviced. Fans can also help provide relief
Look after your pets – ensure your pets have plenty of shade and cool water to last the entire day and regularly check on them
DURING A HEATWAVE
Look for symptoms of heat stress in your family, friends and neighbours
Phone for assistance immediately if you show any symptoms of heat stress including extremely heavy sweating, headache and vomiting, confusion, swollen tongue
Regularly check on family and friends, particularly those at risk, arrange a set time twice a day when you’re going to make contact
Stay hydrated – keep drinking water, even if you don’t feel thirsty
Stay cool – dress in light clothing and seek air-conditioning. If you don’t have air-conditioning at home, visit a public place such as a shopping centre or art gallery
Avoid the sun – if you’re physically active, avoid being out in the sun for extended periods and if you have to be wear sunscreen, a shirt, hat and sunglasses
Don’t leave children or pets in parked vehicles for any period of time
AFTER
Continue to check on family and friends, particularly those people at risk
Keep drinking water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty
Be careful for falling tree limbs – this is often a hazard during periods of extended high temperatures
