Heat kills more Australians than any other natural disaster.
Heat can cause serious and potentially fatal health problems such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It can trigger sudden events like heart attack or stroke or can worsen existing medical conditions like kidney or lung disease.
Certain people are more at-risk, including people over the age of 65, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with acute or chronic health problems and people who are socially isolated.
With high temperatures predicted across our shire over this summer period, let's talk about hot weather events and how we can protect ourselves, our family, friends and neighbours from heat-related stress events.
What is the different between extreme heat and a heatwave?
Extreme heat happens when the forecast average temperature on any day is higher than the predetermined heat health temperature threshold in a Victorian weather forecast district. A heatwave is when there are three or more consecutive days of extreme heat.
Individuals who are most at risk, often due to age, illness, medication, or social isolation, are affected by isolated days of extreme heat. During heatwaves, these impacts are worsened and affect a large part of the community. Heatwaves also have negative effects on the natural, built, and economic environments, such as the compromised operation of critical infrastructure, facilities and services.
Council places to keep cool
In the event you need somewhere to cool to visit on high temperature days why not consider the following council venues, however be sure to check their opening times or give them a call before visiting to ensure they are open on Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger days.
Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre
Address: 49-51 Houston Street, Stawell 3380
Phone: (03) 5358 0550
Hot weather policy: If the forecast predicts 35 degrees or over for the following day, both pools will be available until 8pm.Please note, extended hours will be at the discretion of the Duty Manager at the time, it will also depend on patronage and the availability of lifeguards based on the hours they have already worked.
St Arnaud Swimming Pool
Address: 24-32 Grant Street, St Arnaud 3478
Phone: (03) 5495 1981
Hot weather policy: If the forecast predicts 35 degrees or over for the following day, the pool will be available until 8pm. Please note, extended hours will be at the discretion of the Duty Manager at the time, it will also depend on patronage and the availability of lifeguards based on the hours they have already worked.
Stawell Library
Address: Corner of Patrick and Sloane Streets, Stawell 3380
Phone: (03) 5358 1274
St Arnaud Library
Address: Municipal Offices, Napier Street, St Arnaud 3478
Phone: (03) 5495 2188
Don't forget there are also several parks and recreational spaces across the shire which offer ample shade and pet-friendly opportunities to stay cool. You can find a list of parks and gardens on our website here.
Other places to keep cool
There are other locations in our community who may offer a cool place to beat the heat on high temperature days. We encourage you to reach out to them prior to visiting to ensure they are open, especially on days declared Extreme or Catastrophic.
Stawell Neighbourhood House
Address: 42 Sloane Street, Stawell
Phone: (03) 5358 3500
Please note, they may be open outside of the normal opening hours on high-heat days, however please check their Facebook page or phone (03) 5358 3500 before visiting.