Hot conditions set to continue 

Published on 21 November 2019

Hot conditions are set to continue today with a predicted high of 42 degrees at 3pm and a Code Red Day declared by the Emergency Management Commissioner for the Mallee Fire District.

The temperature will then drop significantly from 6pm with a cooler night predicted.

A state-wide Total Fire Ban is also in place until 11.59pm tonight.

Gannawarra Shire Council residents are encouraged to stay out of the heat as much as possible, particularly between 11am and 4pm, and to keep cool and drink plenty of water.

While hot weather affects everyone, older people, young children, pregnant and nursing mothers, and those with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly vulnerable.

“Residents can keep themselves cool by spending the hottest part of the day in air conditioned buildings, whether this is at home, reading a book at any of Gannawarra Library Service’s branches or visiting their local supermarket,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Others may choose to spend time keeping cool at local swimming pools, lakes and waterways.”

The Cohuna Library and Kerang’s Sir John Gorton will be open from 10am to 5pm and Council managed swimming pools at Kerang and Cohuna will be open from 3pm to 7pm.

Council's Community Care staff are keeping in touch with older clients and people with disabilities, particularly those living alone with little social contact.

Older residents are also able to seek a cool place at Kerang District Health’s Activity Centre through to 4:30pm or Baptcare-Northaven Kerang, or in Cohuna at the Cohuna Retirement Village or Cohuna District Hospital.

“We encourage residents to not only look out for themselves during this period of hot weather, but also to check on the welfare of family, friends and neighbours, particularly those who may be unwell or living alone,” Mayor Learmonth said.

If residents feel unwell in the heat or are concerned about others, contact your doctor, hospital or phone NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24. For life-threatening emergencies dial Triple Zero (000).

Further information is available from Council’s website www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au, www.facebook.com/gannawarra, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au and www.emergency.vic.gov.au