Enter the terms you wish to search for.
Information in your language
In your language
  1. Housing.vic.gov.au
  2. Public renters
  3. Health and safety

Hot weather

Need urgent housing?
If you are in immediate danger Call 000.
Are you homeless or at risk of homelessness?
Call 1800 825 955
Free 24 hour phone line. Someone will take your call to get you help nearby. If after hours, they will refer you to the Salvation Army Crisis Services.
Are you escaping family violence?
Call 1800 015 188
Free 24 hour phone line. Someone will take your call from Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre.
Survive the heat this summer in five simple steps.
Drink more water
  • Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty
  • Keep a full drink bottle with you
  • Take small sips of water frequently
  • If your doctor normally limits your fluids, check how much you should drink during hot weather.
Never leave anyone in a car
Stay cool
  • Spend as much time as possible in cool or air-conditioned buildings (like shopping centres, libraries, community centres)
  • Keep cool by using wet towels, putting your feet in cool water and taking cool (not cold) showers
  • Block out the sun at home during the day by closing curtains and blinds
  • Open the windows when there is a cool breeze
  • Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day
  • If you do go out, wear a hat and sunscreen and take a bottle of water with you.
  • Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made from natural materials like cotton and linen
  • Eat smaller meals more often and eat more cold meals (like salads)
  • Make sure you properly store food that needs refrigeration
  • Avoid activities like exercise, renovating and gardening
  • Watch or listen to news reports for more information
  • Don’t forget your pets – make sure they have plenty of water, a cool bath, wet towel to lie on or a place next to a fan.
Check in on others
  • Look after those most at risk – neighbours living alone, older people, young children, people with a medical condition, and remember your pets
  • Keep in touch with friends and family who may need help – call or visit them at least once on any extreme heat day
  • Make sure friends, family and neighbours drink plenty of water
  • Help family, friends and neighbours who are aged over 65 or have an illness by doing shopping or other errands for them
  • If older people you know can't stay cool in their home, take them somewhere cool for the day
  • If you someone you know has symptoms of heat-related illness, call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 for 24-hour health advice or see your doctor
  • In an emergency, call 000.
Plan ahead
  • Check the weather forecasts – watch the news, check the forecast online or visit the Better Health Channel
  • Plan activities for the coolest part of the day
  • Make sure you have food, water and medicines so you don’t have to go out in the heat
  • Visit your doctor to check if changes are needed to your medicines during extreme heat
  • Store medicines safely at the recommended temperature
  • Check that your fan or air-conditioner works well
  • In case the power goes out, keep these handy: a torch, battery-operated radio, fully charged mobile phone, food that doesn’t need refrigeration, medications, plenty of drinking water and other essential items.