Heatwaves

A heatwave is a period of unusual and uncomfortable hot weather that could impact on human health, community infrastructure (such as the power supply and public transport), and services.

Heatwaves can affect anybody and cause illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke which may be fatal.
The most important things to remember are:

• keep cool
• drink plenty of water
• stay out of the sun
• look after yourself and others.

Refer to the Staying healthy in the heat community resources for more information.

This site provides information about:

• Heatwave Plan for Victoria
  The department has prepared a state heatwave plan which sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Victorian Government, local government, emergency management and the health and community service sector.

• Community resources
  Provides a suite of Staying healthy in the heat communication resources in a range of formats with a number translated into community languages.

• Heat Health Alert System
  Includes information about the Department of Health Heat Health Alert System and the current heat health alert.

• Heatwave planning
  Includes information regarding local government heatwave planning and the Heatwave Planning Guide.

• Evaluation of heatwave framework
  Provides information on the evaluation of the department’s heatwave framework.

• Research
  Includes an overview of recent research the department has conducted.

• Publications
  Includes a report on the health impacts of heat and the heatwave newsletter.

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