The State Government is urging South Australians to check on the vulnerable, stay hydrated, avoid going out in the heat and keep cool as temperatures soar to unprecedented levels today.
In line with the Extreme Heat Warning issued by the SA State Emergency Service, the SA Housing Authority has issued a Code Red to boost homelessness services for Greater Metropolitan Adelaide today, January 24 to Friday, January 25, 2019.
A Code Red has also been initiated for the regional centres of the Riverland and Port Augusta.
The Code Red means homelessness agencies increase their services during the hot weather, including extending their operating hours, providing a place for people to escape the heat, as well as food and water.
In addition to the Code Red, the Department of Human Services has activated the Telecross REDi phone service – a potentially lifesaving service run by the Red Cross that provides free welfare checks at regular intervals during heatwave events.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said it was vital the community checks on the vulnerable during the extreme heat.
"South Australia's extreme heat forecast today means more than ever we must ensure people are safe, stay cool and hydrated," said Minister Lensink.
"I urge the community to check on the elderly, people who live alone, with disability or mental illness and those who are housebound, frail and the aged.
"A Code Red is currently in place which means agencies across Adelaide and some of the regions will extend their daytime operating hours over the next few days to ensure people sleeping rough are keeping cool and well-hydrated during the extreme heat.
"I also urge vulnerable members of the community to register with the free TeleCross REDi phone service.
"Those registered can receive a phone call up to three times a day to check on how they are coping and the trained Red Cross volunteers can also provide tips to stay cool or activate an emergency procedure if required."
The following homelessness agencies will extend their operating hours:
• Westcare (Baptist Care SA) 11/19 Millers Ct Adelaide, will extend their hours of operation. Westcare will be open overnight on Thursday 24 January.
• Trace-A-Place (SYC) 135 Currie St Adelaide, will extend their hours from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday 24 January.
• Street to Home will be providing additional outreach services to people rough sleeping throughout this period.
• Hutt St Centre - 257 Hutt St, will extend their operating hours to Friday 25 January 2019 from 9am to 5pm.
The SA Homelessness Gateway Service will also continue to operate 24/7. Anyone who is sleeping rough is encouraged to contact the Homelessness Gateway on 1800 003 308.
To register for the Telecross REDi service phone 1800 188
