Extreme Heat and Heatwaves

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Heatwaves are caused by extremely hot and humid days with very little air movement to cool things down. This means that most of the heat gets trapped close to the ground and lower air levels.

As the temperature raises, people, animals and plants suffer from heat stress. Heat stress is defined as too much heat absorbed by a person, animal or plant causing stress, illness or even death.

The Department of Health’s Heatwave Response and Action Plan aims to:

  • Provide a coordinated plan to guide agency responses.
  • Minimise heat related mortality and morbidity in the Baw Baw Shire by raising community awareness of heat related hazards and the necessity of preventative strategies.
  • Raise community awareness of extreme heat event risks to vulnerable community members.
  • Minimise the impact of heat events on Baw Baw Shire Council staff, volunteers and other agencies/services who respond as part of the heatwave alert plan. 

For more information and advice about heatwaves, go to:         

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