As summer temperatures climb again across the state, Australian Red Cross will activate its TeleRedi service making potentially life-saving phone calls to vulnerable or socially isolated people, while a statewide Code Red has been called to support rough sleepers.
The TeleRedi service, funded by the State Government through the Department of Human Services, is triggered during extreme heat events to provide reassurance and fast support when it matters most.
Registration for the free welfare checks remains open this summer.
Specially trained Australian Red Cross volunteers phone registered participants to check on their wellbeing. If a call goes unanswered or a person appears unwell or distressed, established emergency response procedures are immediately put in place to help ensure their safety.
TeleRedi supports people who may be at increased risk during extreme heat, including those living alone, older people, people with disability, individuals experiencing mental illness, people recovering from illness or injury, and those managing chronic health conditions.
Anyone who may be affected by extreme heat or family members, friends or carers is urged to sign up as soon as possible.
Existing participants are also encouraged to confirm their contact details are up to date by contacting Australian Red Cross.
To register or learn more, call 1800 188 071, email [email protected], or visit www.redcross.org.au/teleredi.
Meanwhile a Code Red response for people sleeping rough will be active Statewide from Saturday 24 January 2026 to Monday 26 January 2026.
A Code Red response is already active in the North West Pastoral.
For those sleeping rough who are seeking information about available supports in your region, contact Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The supports and services activated to support people sleeping rough during a Code Red response vary depending on weather conditions, but may include:
- Increased daytime operating hours
- Increased staffing
- Extended street outreach
- Increased promotion of existing services
- Practical supports such as clothing, blankets, water, food and sunscreen
- Safe places to temporarily seek refuge from weather conditions during the day.
For more information on the response to support people sleeping rough during severe or extreme weather events visit DHS Extreme Weather Response.
As put by Nat Cook
Extreme heat can be life-threatening, especially for people who are isolated or managing health conditions. The Government is urging those at risk, or their families and carers, to enrol in Australian Red Cross TeleRedi before temperatures rise.
TeleRedi offers the reassurance that no one is facing extreme heat alone, with trained staff ready to check in and organise help if someone is struggling.
These welfare calls go beyond a simple check-in, providing practical guidance to stay cool, hydrated and safe when heatwaves hit.
An early phone call can make all the difference, even for people expecting visitors later in the day, when urgent support may be needed. Anyone who may be vulnerable this summer is strongly encouraged to register now.
As put by Australian Red Cross Director – South Australia – Sarah Strathearn
Extreme heat can be dangerous, not just uncomfortable. TeleRedi is about connection, care and timely support when people need it most.
Our Australian Red Cross volunteers provide free phone check-ins, share practical heat safety advice, and link people to additional support if required.
For older Australians, people living alone, those managing health conditions, or anyone who feels vulnerable during heatwaves, TeleRedi plays an important role in keeping communities safe.
