Canowindra was cooking this week with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees. With the heatwave set to stay throughout the weekend, locals are being urged to follow simple precautions to beat the heat, keep cool and stay safe.
Environmental Health Services Co-ordinator, Ingo Steppat, advises people of all ages to take care and protect themselves; “People need to be alert for the symptoms associated with heat exhaustion in themselves or others, especially young children and the elderly,” Ingo said; “Make the most of shade and well ventilated or air conditioned areas, stay inside during the hottest
part of the day and ensure you drink plenty of water.”
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, faintness, dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness, headache, and vomiting. Some may suffer from an increased body temperature or an increased breathing rate on extreme heat days. People with existing conditions such as heart problems or
diabetes should take extra care in the heat.
Other people who may be at risk of heat exhaustion include outdoor workers, people in workplaces with inadequate cooling systems and those undertaking strenuous physical activities. Don’t forget to check in on family and friends to ensure they are okay. Heat exhaustion symptoms can occur up to 72 hours after an exposure to a heat event, so stay alert!