Have you noticed things heating up?
Published on 03 December 2024
Though it is not officially summer yet, we’ve been having some extremely hot days already. There are a number of things you can do to protect your health and the health of your loved ones this summer.
Tips for keeping safe in extreme heat include:
Be weather alert
Check the local news for weather updates to plan your days and subscribe for alerts. Most weather apps on smart phones now include heat advisory information. Check out the Heatwatch app developed by University of Sydney which allows you to customise alerts based on your location and health needs.
Hydrate
Make sure to drink more water than normal and avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol which can dehydrate you during heatwaves. Around 1 cup of water per hour, up to 2-3 litres a day is ideal.
Check for air leaks in your home
Check the doors and windows for air gaps. Seal any gaps with fabric door snakes, which also help keep out bushfire smoke. Caulk or use draft stoppers.
Protect your pets and our wildlife
Pets are especially at-risk from extreme heat days from walking on hot pavement or overheating. Make sure to provide them with fresh, cool water in various locations around the house and consider foot protection for walks on baking concrete. Place containers of water outside for birds and other animals. Include a small stick or some rocks in the bowl or bucket to create platforms for bugs and small animals to avoid drowning.
Block the sun
Hang thick curtains indoors to block the sun on extreme heat days. Outdoors, place shade cloths (sheets from the op shop can be a great alternative), plant fast-growing vines, or add external blinds on west and north-facing walls.
Fans and a cooling trick
Clean your ceiling or stand fans and make sure they’re working well before heatwaves come. Fans work best when the air is a bit more humid and temps are below 40 Celsius. Use a spray bottle of water to mist yourself while you are in front of your fan. Think about creating a cross-breeze by setting up two fans in opposite windows. Place a bowl of ice in front of your fan to help chill the air.
Have a plan
During periods of extreme heat you might consider going to the movies, a shopping plaza, a local library or a similar location with air conditioning. Make sure you factor into your plans traveling in the heat. Carry an umbrella for shade and a water bottle if you plan to wait outdoors for a bus or tram.
Monitor yourself
If you start to feel unwell during a heatwave sit in the shade or go into a cool building, drink water, and place a wet piece of cloth on the back of your head. If you still feel badly, don’t delay in calling an ambulance – heatstroke can cause death within minutes.