Heat Health
While summer brings warm weather to go out and enjoy, some days we may worry about extreme heat.
Extreme heat can affect anybody, but there are some who are more at risk: older people, young children, and people with a medical condition.
This summer, an El Niño event and positive Indian Ocean dipole have been declared.
This means hotter and drier conditions are expected compared to other seasons.
Heavy rain driven by La Niña events over the last five years means there has been a lot of grass growth across the country.
This increases the risk of fires when conditions become hot and dry.
The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted maximum temperatures this summer will be unusually high for much of the country and possibly record-breaking.
To help you prepare, the LMPHU has put together some resources and information below.
Keep up to date
It’s important to be aware of where and how you’re going to get information and how you’re going to prepare for extreme heat and possible fires.
Make sure you keep up-to-date with the Bureau of Meteorology forecast online, check the Vic Emergency app or website regularly and set up for alerts for your area, and watch the news daily.
Check your district’s daily Fire Danger Rating on the CFA website or call 1800 226 226.
Heatwave Service for Australia (bom.gov.au)
Incidents and Warnings - VicEmergency
Welcome to CFA | CFA (Country Fire Authority)
How to prepare for very hot days
Many councils provide shelters with air conditioning for people to get out of the heat.
These locations are often council buildings, libraries, or shopping centres.
Check with your local council for locations in your area.
Make sure your air conditioner works at home if you have one.
Make sure your medicines are stored at the recommended temperatures: you may need to move them into the refrigerator.
10 things to do on hot days
- Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water. Soft drinks and alcohol are not good for hydration, so it is best to stick with water.
- Stay in the shade and cool spaces: either in air conditioning at home, or your local council’s heat shelters. Even if you can’t stay in these spaces, taking short, regular breaks can help.
- Dress for the weather: wear light weight clothing in light colours.
- Use wet towels, put your feet in cool water, and take cool (not cold) showers.
- Avoid going outside in direct sunlight if you can help it: avoid gardening on very hot days. If you have to go outside, try to do it in the early morning or evening and wear a hat.
- Reduce your physical activity: take a break from exercise on very hot days. Avoid walking your dog on hot days as it can be dangerous for both your and your pet’s health.
- At home, keep your blinds drawn and curtains closed: Avoid running the oven and other appliances that produce heat.
- Make sure you don’t leave anyone, including children or pets, in a car on hot days: even if you’re going to be gone a few minutes and the window is down. The temperature inside a car can double in a very short time.
- Check in on friends, family, and neighbours who are elderly and help them avoid the heat.
- Be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illness and when to seek medical.
Heat related illnesses
It is important to remember heat affects everyone differently. It can worsen the condition for someone who already has a medical issue such as heart disease or diabetes, or those who are already not feeling well with another illness.
The below information is a brief guide but if you are concerned about yourself or someone you know, call Nurse-On-Call (1300 60 60 24) for advice, or if it’s an emergency call Triple Zero (000).
|
Condition |
Symptoms |
What to do |
|
Heat cramps
|
Muscle pains Spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs
|
Stop activity, and sit in a cool space Drink cool water Rest for a few hours before returning to activity See a doctor if cramps persist |
|
Heat exhaustion
|
Sweating Pale complexion Rapid pulse Muscle cramps, weakness Dizziness, headache Nausea, vomiting Fainting |
Go to a cool area and lie down
Have a fan on if possible Drink cool water if not vomiting Remove outer clothing Wet skin with cool water or wet clothes See a doctor or call 000 for an ambulance |
|
Heat Stroke (this is a life-threatening emergency)
|
Very high body temperature Red, hot, dry, skin (no sweating) Dry, swollen tongue Rapid pulse Dizziness, headache Nausea, vomiting Collapse, seizure, loss of consciousness |
Immediately call 000!
While waiting for emergency medical help: - Get the person to a cool, shady area and lay them down - Remove excess clothing and wet their skin with water or wrap in wet cloths and fan continuously - If the person is conscious and able to swallow, give them cool water to drink - Position an unconscious person on their side if they’re breathing (perform CPR if needed) - Seek further instructions from Triple Zero / ambulance / hospital emergency staff while waiting for the ambulance |
Resources
