Residents encouraged to Be Cool in Gannawarra

Residents encouraged to Be Cool in Gannawarra

Published on 01 December 2020

Gannawarra Shire Council’s Be Cool in Gannawarra campaign will be held again this summer, with residents and visitors encouraged to minimise the risks associated with hot conditions.

With the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a 65 per chance of average maximum temperatures exceeding the long-term average in the Gannawarra this summer, residents are encouraged to plan ahead and be ready on days of extreme heat.

“The start of last summer showed Australians how devastating our extreme temperatures can be,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“Here in the Gannawarra, seven of our 40-plus degree temperature days last summer occurred in December 2019, including a record December maximum of 46.6 degrees set on 20 December.

“Unfortunately heat kills more Australians than any other natural disaster, with those most at risk being older people, young children and those with a medical condition. Please keep in touch with ‘at risk’ family members and friends on those days when the heat is extreme.”

Residents can reduce the risks of extreme heat by:

Drinking plenty of water; Not leaving children, adults or pets in cars; Spending as much time as possible in cool or air-conditioned buildings, such as private homes, libraries or community centres; Cancel non-essential outings and plan essential activities for the coolest part of the day; and Look after those most at risk by keeping in touch with family members and neighbours.

“If you do not have air conditioning, please consider visiting a friend or family member whose place does have air conditioning or make the most of cooler public spaces, which include Gannawarra Library Service branches and our local swimming pools,” Mayor Gillingham said.

To assist with promotion of this year’s program, families of children completing their 12-month check-up with one of Council’ Maternal and Child Health Nurses will receive a free Be Cool in Gannawarra toddler hat. Be Cool in Gannawarra swim bags will also be available for sale for $5.00 at Council’s Kerang and Cohuna swimming pools.

If you or anyone you know feels unwell on a hot day, please call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24, or phone Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

ABOVE: Gannawarra Shire Council Maternal and Child Health Nurse, Kim Sellwood (left) hands over a Be Cool in Gannawarra hat to Rory Lindsay and his mum, Georga Lindsay.