Extreme Heat and Heatwaves

Extreme heat

A heatwave is a period of unusual and uncomfortable hot weather or extreme heat that could adversely affect human health, community infrastructure (such as power supply and public transport) and services.

Extreme heat can affect anybody and cause illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke which can be fatal.  

Preparing for a heatwave

Register for alerts and warnings (links to be added)

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Subscribe to Heat Health Alerts Here

Create your own heat health risk profile here 

 

  • Keep up to date with weather forecasts – watch the news daily, check the BOM Forecast online and read the current Heat Health Alert.
  • Cancel non-essential outings and plan essential activities for the coolest part of the day.
  • Stock up on food, water and medicines so you don’t have to go out in the heat.
  • Visit your doctor to check if changes are needed to your medicines during extreme heat. 
  • Store medicines safely at the recommended temperature. 
  • Check that your fan or air-conditioner works well. Have your air-conditioner serviced if necessary. 
  • Prepare for power failures - ensure you have a torch, battery-operated radio, fully charged mobile phone or battery back-up, food items that don’t require refrigeration, medications, plenty of drinking water and other essential items. 
  • Look at the things you can do to make your home cooler such as installing window coverings, shade cloths or external blinds on the sides of the house facing the sun.

During a heatwave

  • Keep cool. A wet face washer on your brow and the back of your neck can help. 
  • Drink plenty of water. Keep a full drink bottle with you. Take small sips of water frequently. If your doctor normally limits your fluids, check how much you should drink during hot weather. 
  • Stay out of the sun
  • Never leave anyone - child or adult - or pet in a car. The temperature can double in minutes. 
  • Look after yourself and others

Check in on others

  • Look after those most at risk in the heat–your neighbour living alone, older people, young children, people with a medical condition and don’t forget your pets.
  • Keep in touch with friends and family who may need help. Call or visit them at least once on any extreme heat day. 
  • Encourage them to drink plenty of water. 
  • Offer to help family, friends and neighbours who are aged over 65 or have an illness by doing shopping or other errands so they can avoid the heat.
  • Take them somewhere cool for the day or have them stay the night if they are unable to stay cool in their home. 
  • If you observe symptoms of heat-related illness, seek medical help.

 

 

How to recognise heat-related illnesses & what to do

add graphic here - this is a CoGB version 

More information on what to do if heat-related illness strikes is at

Department of Health: Extreme heat and heatwaves

Better Health: How to cope and stay safe in extreme heat How to cope and stay safe in extreme heat | Better Health Channel   

 

 

 

 

 

For more information visit the Better Health website. 

For information about caring for pets and animals and preventing them from suffering heatstroke, visit the Animal Care Australia website and/or go to the Agriculture Victoria website here. 

 

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A heatwave is when the maximum and minimum temperatures are unusually hot over 3 days, compared to the local climate and past weather.

Heatwaves can be classified as:

  • Low intensity – most people can cope
  • Severe – vulnerable people are at risk
  • Extreme – everyone is at risk, including healthy people

 

 

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