He said the chief health officer Dr Rosemary Lester issued the alert after the Bureau of Meteorology forecast temperatures above heat health thresholds for Saturday and Sunday.

Heat health alerts have also been issued for the Mallee Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Cr Erwin said residents were encouraged to drink plenty of water, avoid going outside during the heat of the day and limit physical activity to avoid heat-related illness.

He said residents should seek medical assistance if feeling unwell and reminded people not to leave children or animals inside parked vehicles.

Cr Erwin said some people were particularly vulnerable on heat health alert days and urged residents to check on their friends, family and neighbours.

“People need to look after themselves and also check on older, sick or frail people who might need help coping with the heat,” he said.

He urged people to keep in touch with others.

“Our home and community care team will be paying special attention to all their clients on these hot days, but we also encourage our residents to check in with any friends or family who might be especially susceptible to heat stress,” he said.

Cr Erwin said council might open emergency relief centres in times of emergency.

Council might also extend its pools’ opening hours to help people stay cool on heat health alert days.

He said residents could visit ngshire.vic.gov.au or call customer service in Stawell on 5358 8700 or St Arnaud on 5495 1500 for updates on relief centres and changes to pool opening hours.