With extreme temperatures and hot weather events becoming more common, it's important to plan ahead and know how to stay safe and comfortable this summer.
Why plan ahead?
During extreme heat, it's easy to become dehydrated or for your body to overheat. This can cause serious health and potentially fatal health problems, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can result in permanent damage to your vital organs, or even death, if not treated immediately.
Knowing the signs of dehydration can help prevent illness and help care for others.
Who is at risk?
While heat can affect everyone, some groups most at risk include:
- older adults (65+), especially those living alone
- babies and young children
- pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
- people with existing health conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease or mental illness
- people taking medications that may affect how the body reacts to heat, such as allergy medicines (antihistamines), blood pressure and heart medicines (beta-blockers), seizure medicines (anticonvulsants), water pills (diuretics), antidepressants or antipsychotics
- people with a disability or who have trouble moving around, such as those who are bed bound or in wheelchairs
- people who are overweight or obese
- people with problematic alcohol or drug use
- people who work or exercise outdoors
- people who have recently arrived from cooler climates
- people sleeping rough
- people experiencing financial difficulties
- people who are socially isolated.
If you or anyone you know feels unwell on a hot day, call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 or call 000 in an emergency.
Helpful tips to plan ahead
- Create a written plan: Check out our Prepare for extreme weather webpage for tips and resources and download our Prepare for Extreme Weather Events in Bayside checklist to help you prepare for heat and extended periods of warmer weather.
- Prepare your home:
- Draught-proof and insulate your home.
- Install energy-efficient cooling systems and have your air-conditioner serviced if needed.
- See our Home Energy Upgrades Program for access to great deals and vetted installers.
- Add window coverings, shade cloths, or external blinds on sun-facing sides of your home to keep it cooler and reduce energy costs.
- Stock up: Make sure you have enough food, water and medicines so you don't need to go out during extreme heat. Store medicines safely at the recommended temperature.
- Have a backup plan: If staying home isn't an option, know where you can go to keep cool, such as libraries, shopping centres, or other air-conditioned spaces.
- Connect with others: Get to know your neighbours or buddy up with someone on hot days. Sharing a cooled space can reduce energy use and improve wellbeing.
- Check your cooling devices: Ensure fans and air-conditioners are working properly.
- Look out for others (and pets): Get to know your neighbours, especially those living alone, older adults, young children, and people with medical conditions. Don't forget to keep pets cool and hydrated.
We all have a part to play in looking after each other during extreme heat.
Helpful tips for hot days
- Drink plenty of water: take a bottle of water handy at all times.
- Never leave kids, adults or pets in hot cars: the temperature inside a car can double within minutes.
- Seek out cool spaces: hang out in air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose natural fabrics.
- Plan your day wisely: schedule activities for the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising during peak heat.
- If you must go out: wear a hat, apply sunscreen regularly, and carry water with you to stay hydrated.
Remember: If you or anyone you know feels unwell on a hot day, call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 or call 000 in an emergency.
