Stay Cool, Stay Safe!

Published on 11 November 2025

Active-Monash.jpg
While summer is a great time to connect with friends and family both indoors and outdoors, we remind residents to take steps to ensure they can remain cool and safe.   

Over the coming months we look forward to sharing important information to help better manage key safety factors during summer!

 

Heat Health

Extreme heat can impact anyone, and it's important to be prepared and take action.

Those more at risk of heat related illnesses include people over the age of 65, babies and young children, people who are pregnant, people with acute or chronic health problems and people who are socially isolated.   

There are steps you can take to protect yourself and our community:   

  • Drink lots of water to avoid becoming dehydrated. 

  • Check in with family, friends and neighbours.  

  • Never leave kids, vulnerable people and pets in cars.   

 For more tips for coping with the heat visit Council's Heatwave page. 


Food Safety

Food safety is always important but especially in hot weather and extreme heat.

Bacteria grow much more quickly on food when conditions are warm, which can increase the risk of food poisoning.

Food poisoning can be quite serious, especially for children, older people and those illnesses 

By following a few simple Food Safety Rules we can all make sure we have a safe summer!  

 

Sun Safety

Monash Council provides wonderful spaces and opportunities to enjoy being outdoors, get active and share time with others.

But being outdoors means exposure to intense levels of ultraviolet radiation, the leading cause of skin cancer.

Remember, when the index hits three, cover up from UV using five forms of sun protection. It is the best way to safely enjoy the great outdoors in Monash:

  •  Slip on covering clothing.

  •  Slop on SPF50 or 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Be sure to reapply. 

  •  Slap on a wide-brimmed hat. 

  •  Seek shade – create shady spaces around your home, seek shady spaces in Monash or take some shade with you. 

  •  Slide on some UV protective sunglasses. 

Find other helpful links to stay sun safe at:

  • Protect your skin – sun protection information – also available in other languages via SunSmart website’s accessibility tool 

  • Public Spaces – information about shade – for climate and health 

 

Water Safety

The National Drowning Report 2025, published by the Royal Life Saving Australia in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia, found there were 357 drowning deaths over the past 12 months, which was 27% higher than the 10-year average.


Preventing fatal and non-fatal incidents is possible when we take responsibility for our own safety in and around water by: 

  • Participating in swimming and water safety lessons. 

  • Understanding the risks and knowing how and when to enter the water safely. 

  • Supervising children and other vulnerable people in aquatic environments. 

  • Knowing that this is the responsibility of community, families, friends, and carers. 

  • Not using alcohol and other drugs when around water.

  • Educating yourself around different aquatic areas, from your local pool to a beach holiday. 

Take action!

Find out more about Active Monash's Learn to Swim and Swimming and Water Safety lessons for children, teens and adults of all abilities.

 

 

Asthma Storm Safety

During grass pollen season people may notice an increase in asthma and hay fever. Grass pollen season (October through December) also brings the chance of thunderstorm asthma. 

Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high amounts of grass pollen in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm.

For people who have asthma or hay fever, this can trigger severe asthma symptoms. 

To view thunderstorm asthma resources, including posters, brochures and fact sheets in other languages, visit Council's thunderstorm asthma alert page.

 

Fire Safety

It is important to eliminate hazards before summer gets underway to prevent fires starting and spreading to neighbouring properties, especially if you are located near parks or reserves.  

The risk of a fire is reduced when properties are well-maintained.

Property owners are also required to maintain their properties in accordance with Council’s Community Safety and Amenity Local Law.  

Report Fire Hazard

To report a fire hazard, please submit your request online or call 9518 3555.

When reporting fire hazard, we will ask you for:

  • The location of the fire hazard (Property Search screen)
  • Enter the location address or the nearest address. You will be able to add more information in the ‘further information’ field (next screen)

You will be able to upload a photo to help us respond to your request.

 

 

For more information phone Primary Prevention Officer on 03 9518 3555 or email mail@monash.vic.gov.au

 

Contact

Primary Prevention Officer 

 

Newsroom

Keep up-to-date with Council news, engagement opportunities and local events with our email newsletter.

 

Tagged as:
Back to top