The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that temperatures are expected to be 10 degrees above the average in the state’s south, south west and west in the coming days.

Higher than average temperatures are also expected across other parts of the state.

NSW Health has advised people should take simple precautions to ensure they stay healthy in the heat by;

• Staying well hydrated;

• Avoiding alcohol and hot or sugary drinks;

• Limiting your physical activity; and,

• Trying to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.

If you can, it's a good idea to spend some time in an air-conditioned building.

Everyone needs to take care in hot weather but some people are at higher risk of heat illness, especially if they are older, live alone or are socially isolated.

Signs of heat-related illness include confusion, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, weakness, headaches and loss of sweating.

Look after those at higher risk, including contacting them to make sure they are coping and have taken appropriate precautions.

People showing any of these signs should seek urgent medical attention through their GP or local emergency department.

For more information please refer to the Beat the Heat website:http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/Pages/default.aspx

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries advise owners of all pets and livestock to ensure adequate clean water is always available and that shading is provided where possible. No animals should be left in confined, unventilated areas such as locked cars.

Intensive large animal holdings, including poultry and piggeries should ensure cooling and watering systems are functioning and backup plans are in place in case of system failures.

The NSW Rural Fire Service warns that given the hot and dry conditions forecast for much of the State, residents need to be prepared and to remain vigilant.

To prepare for heightened fire danger across the weekend residents should;

• Know the bush fire danger rating for your area – available on the NSW RFS website or look for the roadside signs;

• Prepare a Bush Fire Survival Plan and act on it. It is not too late to make a plan tonight;

• Stay informed via local media, news websites, plus the RFS website, Facebook page and Twitter feed;

• Report any unattended fire immediately to Triple Zero.

Further information, including Bush Fire Survival Plans is available from the NSW Rural Fire Service (http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au)

Hot weather and how to cope: Red Cross

THE Red Cross Hub at Narooma is offering advice for seniors on how to survive the heat wave forecast for the South East of Australia this week.

Older adults are more susceptible to prolonged extreme heat because of their health and mobility status.

There are a number of simple things that you can do to prevent the hot weather becoming a serious problem for you or family members, friends or neighbours.

Tips for coping with the heat:

Keep out of the heat

· Plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat

· Make sure you have enough food at home to last over the hot period

Stay cool

· If you can, stay inside, in the coolest room in your home

· Have an alternate way to cool your home in case the electricity fails

· Ensure there is enough air circulation, from a fan or an secured open window or door

· Take cool showers, splash yourself with cool water, put a damp cotton cloth on your neck

· Go to an air-conditioned building to cool off, e.g. the local library or shopping centre

· Stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest part of the day

· Recognise the signs of and symptoms of heat stress

· Ensure your pets or companion animals are also well hydrated and have plenty of shade

Stay hydrated

· Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty

· Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and sugary/fizzy drinks as they make dehydration worse

· Eat little and often rather than large meals; eat more cold food

Get help

· Talk to your family doctor about how extreme heat might affect a health condition you may have

· Talk to your carers, family or neighbors about what help they can provide to you during the hotter weather, such as drawing blinds or picking up shopping for you

The Australian Red Cross Hub at Narooma is located in Suite 4 at the Mid-town Narooma arcade opposite the Commonwealth Bank.

It facilitates and supports the operation of Red Cross services provided on the South Coast including Red Connect Personal Alarm Service, TeleCross, TeleChat, Community Visitors Scheme, Reach Your Potential and Good Start Breakfast Club.

Stop in for a chat and to say "Hi"!