A predicted heatwave over the coming days has sparked a state-wide Code Red response, with additional services put in place to support people sleeping rough to stay safe.
The Code Red will be activated from 5pm today until 9am on Tuesday, March 12, covering all metropolitan and regional areas. The last state-wide Code Red was issued in February last year.
Services available in this current response, which includes overnight accommodation in Adelaide, include:
- The Westcare Centre, at 11/19 Millers Court in Adelaide, will be open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday for overnight accommodation from 5pm until 7am.
- Hutt St Centre, at 258 Hutt Street in Adelaide, will provide additional support on Saturday and Monday from 9am until 12.30pm.
- Outreach services will be provided by the Toward Home Alliance and Adelaide North West Homelessness Alliance.
Specialist Homelessness Services will carry out daily outreach visits to people sleeping rough in the CBD, the Parklands and North Adelaide. During Code Red, these services will ensure people know where and how they can access a roof over their heads.
Help is available for rough sleepers to avoid being exposed to issues like dehydration and severe sunburn in the extreme heat.
Anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness, either in Adelaide or other parts of South Australia, is encouraged to contact Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308 for information about local supports and services.
In addition to the Code Red response, isolated, elderly and other vulnerable South Australians at risk from extreme heat are encouraged to register for free welfare checks offered by Red Cross. The State Government has partnered with Australian Red Cross to deliver the Telecross REDi service, on 1800 188 071.
In days of extreme heat, trained volunteers will call registered participants up to three times a day for a welfare check and call an ambulance, where required, for anyone experiencing heat-related health issues.
The South Australian State Emergency Service (SASES) has also issued heatwave warnings and will continue to provide updates as the control agency across the state.
SASES advises people to plan ahead, regularly check in with family, friends and at-risk community members, keep cool and drink plenty of water, and to never leave children or pets alone in a car during the current heatwave.
Visit ses.sa.gov.au/heatwave/ to view the latest heatwave warnings.
As put by Nat Cook
A sustained period of hot dry weather sweeping across the state poses a range of health risks to rough sleepers and our support services will be on hand to help keep them safe.
Help is available to the vulnerable, isolated and elderly and I urge anyone who may be at risk to access the services on offer, and for their family and friends to continue to keep an eye on their welfare.
With temperatures set to soar over the coming days, it is vital that people stay cool and hydrated – and reach out to Homeless Connect SA to remain safe.
