Operational Response to Heatwave
A heatwave is defined by BoM as “three days or more of high maximum and minimum temperatures that is
unusual for that location”

The BoM provides a Heatwave Service during the summer months which provides a set of (Pilot)
graphical maps of heatwaves and ‘extreme heatwaves’ for the current day and extending out for the
next four days. This service gives levels of heatwaves including Severe and Extreme – with definitions
of each level.

When forecast average temperatures are predicted to reach or exceed the heat health temperature
threshold for a specific weather forecast district, DHHS will issue a heat health alert for that district.
This alert will normally be issued 3-4 days prior to the forecast conditions to provide recipients with
early warning.

Victoria Police is the control agency for heatwave.

Where a heatwave is anticipated based on the forecast, heatwave planning should occur as
soon as possible.

Regional Level Control rests with the nominated Divisional Commander or their representative.

The decision to escalate from a Regional to a State level response will be determined through
discussion between the Senior Police Liaison Officer and the Emergency Management Commissioner.
The State Heat Plan is not the source for Victoria Police to activate a heatwave control function.

Police will continue to monitor heat products for changes to weather predictions to allow quick transition
to control agency capacity should the need arise.

Public Health Information is via DHHS working jointly with Police as Control.
Guidelines for Control
agency response are
located on the SERCD
intranet site. Heat Event
Heat Health Alert Issued?
1 Day of predicted excessive
temperature
Y
DHHS business as usual
response for Human Health
under the SHERP
2 Days of predicted
excessive temperature
Y
Requiring an enhanced Emergency
Response? (VicPol, including REMT)
Consider raising awareness across
stakeholder agencies
N
Y
Y
DHHS Support Agency for
Human Health
Heatwave
N
Y
DHHS business as usual
response for Human Health
under the SHERP
3 Days or more with
predicted excessive
temperature
Heat
Threshold
Reached?
Preparation activities should be occurring
to mitigate against the potential impact of
a heatwave
Y
Y
Vic Pol Control Agency Under SERP