Extreme heat

A heatwave is an extended period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and humid weather where heat related illness and death increase substantially. During the 20th century heatwaves caused more deaths in Australia than any other natural hazard.

Who is at risk?

The people most at risk include:

  • people 65+ years, particularly those living alone or without air conditioning;
  • babies and young children;
  • pregnant and nursing mothers;
  • people who are unwell, especially with heart disease, high blood pressure or lung disease; and
  • people on medications for mental illness.

How to recognise heat stress

Common symptoms include:

  • deterioration of existing medical conditions
  • heat rash
  • heat cramps
  • dizziness and fainting
  • heat exhaustion: sweating, rapid heart rate, muscle cramps, headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or fainting
  • heat stroke: this is a medical emergency and requires urgent attention.

Before: preparing for extreme heat

With a heat wave predicted, there are things you can do to prepare your home, pets and the people around you:

  • keep the sun out by drawing your curtains, blinds and awnings at the start of the day;
  • check and service your home cooling systems and air conditioner;
  • make sure pets have plenty of shade and cool water for the day and check them regularly;
  • know your neighbours and if they are at risk; and
  • choose the coolest place in the house for babies or young children to sleep and make sure the air can circulate around the bassinet or cot (remove any liners or padding).

Prepare a household emergency plan

During: what you can do during extreme heat?

Stay cool:

  • dress in light, loose clothing
  • turn on fans and air conditioning
  • spend the day in a shopping centre, library or other cool public place
  • use a cool damp cloth or towel to keep you cool at night.

Look after yourself and others by:

  • checking on family, friends and neighbours regularly, particularly those most at risk;
  • understand heat stress;
  • seeking medical help immediately if you show any symptoms of heat stress, including heavy sweating, headache, vomiting, confusion and swollen tongue;
  • drinking water, even if you do not feel thirsty (check with your doctor if you are on limited fluids);
  • avoid being out in the sun for extended periods. If you have to be outside seek shade, wear sunscreen, a shirt, hat and sunglasses; and
  • do not leave children or pets in parked cars for any length of time.

After: recovering from extreme heat

  • Drink water, even if you do not feel thirsty (check with your doctor if you are on limited fluids).
  • Seek medical help immediately if you show any symptoms of heat stress, including heavy sweating, headache, vomiting, confusion and swollen tongue.
  • Check on family, friends and neighbours and let them know you are ok.
  • Open your windows to allow cool air to circulate and cool your home when the outside temperature has dropped.

Resources

Radio & TV

ABC 774 AM, 3AW 693 AM, Plenty Valley FM 88.6 FM and Sky News TV.

Visit Emergency Management Victoria for a full list of broadcasters.

Online

Telephone

Contact us

If you need more information about your emergency plan, please contact our Emergency Management Team on 9490 4222 or enquiries@banyule.vic.gov.au

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