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03 Oct 2025... This Victorian Department of Health translated fact sheet explains how extreme heat can affect your health and wellbeing, and what you can do to stay safe during very hot weather. It outlines the signs of heat-related illness and steps to protect yourself. It has guidance for people who may be more at risk, such as older people and children, for those working or exercising outdoors, and advice for managing events and workplaces. It has tips on how to look out for others in your family or community who may need extra support when temperatures rise. For more information, visit the Better Health Channel .

01 Oct 2025... To stay safe during extreme heat, keep cool by using air conditioning or fans, wearing light clothing, and keeping your skin damp with cool showers or sprays.  Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty, especially when outdoors or active. Plan ahead by stocking up on essentials, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat, and rescheduling for cooler times. Check in on family, friends, and neighbours, especially those who may need help. Monitor weather forecasts and heatwave warnings through the Bureau of Meteorology and subscribe to health alerts to stay informed. For more information, visit the Better Health Channel . 

01 Oct 2025... Heat is the leading cause of death from natural disasters in Australia, posing significant health risks such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, heart attacks, strokes, and worsening of existing conditions like kidney or lung disease and mental illness.  While extreme heat can affect anyone, those most at risk include older adults, young children, pregnant women, individuals with chronic health issues, and people who are socially isolated or lack ways to stay cool. In medical emergencies like heatstroke, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.  To stay safe, keep cool, stay hydrated, plan ahead, and check in on others. For more information, visit the Better Health Channel . 

01 Feb 2021... If your home has been damaged by the fire or smells of smoke from bushfires you should: ventilate your home; wash hard surfaces (furniture, walls and floors); wash soft furnishings (upholstered furniture and bedding); and wash affected clothing.Further information on cleaning up a smoke-affected home is provided in the following fact sheet.

01 Nov 2019... Never leave your most precious valuables, your children, alone in the car. The never leave kids in cars campaign prompts parents to take their kids with them whenever they get out of the car, just as they do their everyday valuables, to avoid potentially tragic consequences.

01 Feb 2021... Houses, sheds and other buildings or structures burnt in a bushfire can leave potential health hazards, including fallen objects, sharp objects, smouldering coals, damaged electrical wires, leaking gas and weakened walls.  Hazardous materials that may be present after the fire include:  asbestos ashes, especially from burnt treated timbers (such as copper chrome arsenate or 'CCA') LP gas cylinders medicines garden or farm chemical other general chemicals (for example, cleaning products) metal and other residues from burnt household appliances, and dust.  Further information on how to protect yourself when returning to a bushfire-affected property is provided in the following fact sheet.

01 Feb 2021... If you live in a bushfire-affected area your water source could become contaminated from debris, ash, small dead animals or aerial fire retardants. If the water tastes, looks or smells unusual, do not drink it or give it to animals. Also, you should not source water from a creek that has been affected by bushfire as the water may be contaminated. Water drawn from deep bores or wells should continue to be safe to use.