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Heat Risks to Clients

The information below is more for clinicians, but may also help you to assist your client:

  • Understand how extreme heat affects the body
  • Understand signs of impacts like dehydration, heat-related illnesses like rashes, cramps, and heatstroke
  • People with chronic illnesses and taking certain medication are particularly at risk. Read the information and if you think your client may be at risk, encourage your client to talk to their GP if they haven’t yet.

Extreme heat – information for clinicians

Keep Cool this Summer

Summers in Melbourne can get hot. Ask your clients if they are ready for a hot summer and what they plan to do to prepare. Public health research has shown that people who feel confident in taking action increases their likelihood of actually making a change. If your client does not feel prepared, you can share information on keeping cool.

  1. Keep a cool room. Focusing on 1 room to keep cool helps to save money.
  2. Seal any gaps. Check for gaps under doors. You can use simple things like towels to prevent hot air from getting into your home.
  3. Water your garden. Watering trees and plants help to cool the surroundings of your home. Note if there are water restrictions in place.
  4. Use the microwave instead of the stove or oven for cooking. This avoids heating up your house.
  5. Cover windows. Blocking the sun from entering prevents heat.
  6. Reduce power cost by installing solar. There are many government and Council programs to help.
  7. Chat to your family and neighbours to see how they are keeping cool and get some tips too.

You can also download and print this fact sheet in 7 languages for more detailed information.

Get ready to keep cool this summer – Zero Carbon Merri-bek

Energy Bill Relief

If your clients are struggling with energy bills, there is help available:

  1. Power saving bonus $100? Do people need to apply?
  2. People with a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card Holders or a Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card can apply for additional $100 Power Saving Bonus. Connect them with the Glenroy and Pascoe Vale Neighbourhood House if they need help with the online application. You can also advise your client to go to these sessions at Fawkner Senior Citizen’s Centre Need help applying for the power saving bonus? – Zero Carbon Merri-bek.
  3. For people facing hardship, these options are available:

Energy Assistance Program

Uniting Energy Assist | Jemena

Council financial support for Solar and Thermal installations