Sweltering heat conditions force organisers to cancel sports events; warnings over leaving pets in cars

WITH sports matches being called off to the extreme heatwave hitting NSW today and the weekend, residents are being urged to take extra precautions for their families and pets.

Cooling off with the backyard sprinkle: Alice Hillsdon, Charlie Hardwick, Henry Hillsdon and Fleur Hillsdon. Picture: Nathan Edwards

WITH sports matches being called off to the extreme heatwave hitting NSW today and the weekend, residents are being urged to take extra precautions for their families and pets.

Schofields Cricket Club has called off all their matches this weekend due to the heat while Sydney Shires and other cricket games have been cancelled too.

Football NSW cancelled all trial and training, saying that when the temperatures reach 32 degrees Celsius, all children’s events are cancelled while for adults the high point is 37 degrees C.

This is the first time the Schofield cricket games have been called off in advance.

The ice rinks are also good places to escape the heat as Tehara Wadwell, Tia Grehan, 28, and Selena Lucas show. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Kellyville Fire Station’s Andrew Willard said they are always prepared for the conditions.

“We do, however, have our water tanker staffed at the moment.

“Kellyville pump 94 is ready to respond to emergencies 24/7, 365 days a year.

Sienna O'Dwyer plays at a water park in Blacktown. Picture: Rohan Kelly

“Kellyville water tanker 94 is activated depending on the conditions, such as bush fire danger or other extreme weather conditions.”

St John Paul II Catholic College campuses at Schofields and Quakers Hill said their students were not in danger of heat strokes due to the airconditioning available.

“We are fortunate to have every room and facilities in the college fully air-conditioned, so our students are able to continue their studies as normal and keep away from the heat, even during their break times,” a college spokeswoman said.

Over at Rouse Hill Anglican College, students are being allowed to stay in airconditioned spaces even during their breaks as spokeswoman Debbie Elliott explains: “We are very grateful for our air conditioned spaces, including our auditorium, which are used by students at lunch time.

“During extreme heat days, students are able to remain in air conditioned spaces for classes and lunch breaks.”

Our Lady of the Angels, Rouse Hill, has kept students indoors the whole day with their class rooms all airconditioned.

Vincent de Paul said the homeless are the most vulnerable and that people on low incomes, particularly the elderly, suffer heat-related issues, because they can’t afford the additional costs of running a fan.

“While we are considering where to go and how to beat the heat this weekend, we should remember those sleeping rough or in unsuitable accommodation,” Mr Walsh said.

“Our night patrol vans make sure they have plenty of ice cold water for people to take away with them.

The Riverstone Swim Centre and other local pools will be helping residents cool down as Tyler Smith and Madison Kent show. Picture: David Swift

“We find more people come to our day centres where they can spend time in air conditioned buildings and have cold water to drink.”

Meanwhile, the RSPCA is warning owners not to leave their pets in cars even for a few minutes in summer, pointing out that several dogs have died from heat strokes.

“One of the avoidable deaths was in a car parked in an underground carpark with the windows wound down — a common misconception that leaving a dog in a car parked in the shade or with the windows down is safe,” RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector David O’Shannessy said.

“It’s apparent some people are just not getting the message that a parked car is no place for a dog. It can be lethal, as we see all too often.

“It only takes six minutes for an animal to die from heat stroke.

“Cars parked in the sun can reach temperatures in excess of 80 degrees C, and can remain dangerously hot even if the windows are open.

“Evidently, even cars parked in the shade — even in an underground carpark — can reach lethal temperatures.

“A dog cannot sweat in these conditions and panting increases the heat in the car.”