Emergency
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Heatwaves cause more deaths in Australia than all other extreme weather events combined.
A heatwave is three or more days in a row when both daytime and night-time temperatures are unusually high compared to the local average.
During a heatwave, you can experience heat stress – when your body overheats and can’t cool itself to its normal temperature of 37°C. Conditions can include dehydration, cramps and heat stroke. Young children and babies are especially at risk of heat-related illness, as are pregnant women, older people, people with medical conditions, and pets.
Creating a cool room in your home can help you shelter from the heat, and could help prevent heat stress.
Make sure your fans and air-conditioners are working properly and have them serviced by a technician if necessary.
Consider installing internal window coverings, such as block-out blinds or curtains, to help reduce heat gain through your windows. Also consider adding external shutters or blinds to windows that receive the most sun.
Consider improving your home’s insulation in ceilings and walls to help regulate temperature, and seal gaps around doors and windows to help prevent hot air seeping in.
Combine air conditioning, fans and window coverings in one space where you can retreat to during the most intense heat.
Keep any curtains or blinds closed to help block out the sun and close doors to rooms you aren’t using to keep cool air where you need it most.
During a heatwave, you may want to shelter inside your home. If so, you’ll want some essentials, which should be stored in your cool room.
Heatwaves can cause power outages, which could mean you can’t use your fridge. Keep a supply of non-perishable food items that you don’t need to refrigerate. You should keep enough food to last three days for each person in your household. You’ll also need a supply of water that could last this amount of time.
Keep mobile phones fully charged so you can stay connected if the power goes out, as well as a battery-powered radio, torch and spare batteries.
Other useful things to help you stay cool could include a battery-operated or handheld fan, as well as ice packs and a spray bottle.
If you’re able, check in with elderly or at-risk family members, friends and neighbours during hot weather to ensure they’re prepared and coping with the heat. Make sure your household knows the number of your family GP, ambulance and nearest hospital.
Fan
Non-perishable food and can-opener
Bottled water
Battery-powered radio
Spare batteries
Torch
Spray bottle
Ice packs
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