Firefighting and medical crews are on standby as NSW faces rising temperatures this week – and as always, the further west you come, the higher the rise. 

The temperature predictions are merciless. Dubbo is expected to reach 45 degrees on Thursday, while in Nyngan they are expected to reach a top of 47 degrees. 

Back in Dubbo it’s still meant to be above 40 degrees every day from now on this week. 

People can beat the heat – and protect loved ones – using common sense and simple precautions.

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, particularly in young children and the elderly. Stay inside cooled areas. If your home isn’t cooled go to a venue that is. If you suffer heat-related stress contact a GP or health service. Keep pets supplied with water and shade.

NSW Ambulance western sector acting health relationships manager Natasha Cole said there were straightforward precautionary measures people could take.

“We would like the community to consider their neighbours, particularly those who live alone and elderly members of the community, who... may not be adequately putting themselves in a cooled environment,” she said. 

“And whether the community would think to perhaps just knock on a door, check if everything’s all right, have a cup of cold water, and even suggest other areas they might want to go to that are cooler, maybe within the house or within the community.”

And don’t flick cigarette butts or use machinery – they can start fires.

In a heat wave many often head to the nearest dam, river or pool for relief. It is important they remember to exercise care and ensure young people are supervised and safe.

The community should spare a thought for all emergency service workers and volunteers, who will be out there keeping us all as safe and comfortable as possible from the forces of nature.

And to those people who are working day-in-day-out in the hot weather, we hope you can find some cool over the next few days. 

Stick to common sense and hopefully everyone will be able to look back at this week as only a few sticky, sweaty days. 

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