The Border and North East is getting set for a scorching Christmas with a run of high-thirty-degree days that looks set to push almost into the New Year.
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This heat and sun is likely to be welcomed by more than a few but like any set of extremes it comes with its risks.
First is the cumulative effect of consecutive days of heat on older and vulnerable people.
When the weather stays hot day after day things can certainly get uncomfortable if houses don’t cool down and people are unprepared.
Christmas is traditionally a time of goodwill and concern for our “fellow man” so nothing could be simpler over the next week to utilise this feeling to make sure that elderly relatives or neighbours are coping.
When it comes to care though, even the experts will advise that the first step is to look after yourself.
This may be a wonderful time of relaxation and celebration but it needs to be stressed this season of partying and celebration can all go awry if excess takes hold of the good cheer and turns it into a bleary, overheated nightmare.
The emergency services are well aware of the pressure that comes at Christmas time because of these combining factors, so they probably don’t need added numbers of call-outs precipitated by dehydration and heat stress.
The simplest preventative is to stay hydrated and that means drinking to rehydrate as well as pleasure.
Whether it is Christmas Day or any of the other days on this long weekend, a few strategies may help those considering pushing the boat out a little further to not let it lead to disaster.
Consider alternating alcoholic beverages with water or even a little mid-afternoon activity that might breakup an unrelenting assault on the faculties and the liver.
Perhaps the most critical message in this time of festive excess is to stay safe and that includes pre-planning transport arrangements so the possibility of drink driving is not even an option.
From bushfires to the Big Bash and floods to federal funding, it’s been a massive year on the Border and we thank you, our loyal readers, for your continued support.
Enjoy the company of family and friends over the festive season, stay safe and we look forward to continuing to keep you informed in 2017.