January 8, 2026
With a heatwave currently impacting most of the state, we’ve compiled some handy tips and resources to help you keep you and your loved ones stay safe during this extreme weather.
From coping with the extreme heat to staying across the latest safety warnings, we’ve got you covered.
Coping with Extreme Heat
These tips can help to keep you and your loved ones safe in the hot weather:
- Stay cool – use air conditioning or a fan to keep your home cool and wear light, loose clothes.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty, to stay hydrated – especially if you’re outdoors or physically active.
- Plan ahead – limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, and monitor the weather forecast and emergency warnings via VicEmergency
- Look out for those with an increased risk of heat-related illness including older people and children. Check in with family, friends and neighbours.
Learn more tips about extreme heat health visit: Better Health (Extreme Heat)
Stay Aware of Safety Warnings
It’s also vital to remain aware of the changing conditions, fire and safety warnings:
- To check the latest weather forecast, visit: The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM)
- To find the latest Victorian heatwave warning via BoM Heatwave Warning.
- To keep updated about fire ratings and total fire bans in Victoria, visit: Country Fire Authority.
- To keep updated about fire ratings, total fire bans and other emergencies in Victoria, visit: VicEmergency.
- To keep learn about fire safety information, visit: Forest Fire Management Victoria.
Public land, park and forest closures
- Due to catastrophic and extreme fire danger ratings on Friday 9 January, there are major park closures across the state, for a full list visit Parks Victoria.
- To check if public land, parks and forests are open, visit: Forest and road closures by Forest Fire Management Victoria.
Road closures
- For the most up-to-date information on road closures in bushfire affected communities, visit VicTraffic, which provides real-time road disruption information.
Water Safety
With high temperatures forecast for the remainder of the week, it’s expected that Victorians will flock to Victoria’s beaches and waterways to cool down. Unfortunately, drownings and water-related incidents tend to increase during heatwaves.
With this in mind, Life Saving Victoria are advising the community to take several simple steps to keep themselves and each other safe, including:
- Swim at patrolled locations between the red and yellow flags, where volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards can assist if you get into trouble.
- Supervise children at all times.
- Always swim with a friend.
- Avoid alcohol before going in the water.
- Check conditions and know your limits and capabilities, particularly if you’re at an unfamiliar beach or waterway.
- Check the beachsafe app or website to find a swimming location that’s safest.
*Please note: this information is correct at time of publishing. To stay up to date about current emergencies, warnings and advice in your area and surrounds visit the VicEmergency App or at VicEmergency.
