Hot weather conditions in ACT prompt widespread safety warnings

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Canberra's hot weather conditions from this past weekend is seeping into the week, with a severe heat wave expected to continue until tomorrow. And now, Canberrans are findings different ways to handle the heat.

Transcript

00:00In heat like today's, it's not just humans needing some shade and an ice block.

00:07Due to the conditions, facilities like the zoo are scaling down their services.

00:12We've got some partial closures across the zoo today just to make sure that our visitor services

00:17areas are basically taking into account we're not expecting huge crowds today.

00:22The Bureau of Meteorology issued heat warnings for much of the nation.

00:26Here in the ACT, at 9am it was already 22 degrees and the temperature rose steadily throughout the day,

00:34peaking at 34.5 just after 4 o'clock.

00:38The ACT may not have the beaches, but there are still plenty of ways for Canberrans to cool down

00:43and stay safe in the heat.

00:45And it will come as no surprise that many people are heading to the pool for a refreshing dip.

00:50Pools were busier than usual for a weekday, considering public school holidays haven't yet started.

00:57But elevated bacteria levels have closed some of the region's natural waterways for primary contact.

01:03Canberrans are being advised to check swimming spots are open before going for a dip.

01:08On top of that, Canberra's water park Big Splash is currently closed despite being set to reopen last week.

01:16As the temperature rises, so does the risk to health.

01:19The ambulance service would recommend you stay inside where you can, particularly in air-conditioned buildings.

01:24We don't want anyone to leave pets, animals or children in hot cars.

01:29Drink plenty of water where you can.

01:32The heat also increases the bushfire danger.

01:35At the moment our fire danger rating is moderate.

01:38The recent rain has reduced the fire danger risk to the territory.

01:42But despite that, the Rural Fire Service says it's still important to stay alert this holiday season.

01:48Grass fires which develop quickly, move quickly, could happen at any time, so we shouldn't be complacent.

01:55That's why we're really encouraging the community to know what the warning levels are.

01:59Enjoying the sunshine safely.

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