Heatwaves and individual days of extreme heat can be dangerous, particularly for those at-risk populations, including people aged 65 years and over, babies and young children, and people with certain medical conditions.
During heatwaves, ambulances and hospitals receive many requests for help from the community, so they must prioritise their services. You can help by taking care of your own health and those around you by preparing for a heatwave and following these steps:
- The eight steps for staying safe in the heat
1. Plan ahead and make time to rest
Reschedule activities for the coolest part of the day or another day.
Allow plenty of time to rest, and avoid heavy activity like sport, renovating, and gardening.
2. Drink lots of water
Drink more water in hot weather, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If your doctor normally limits your fluids, ask them how much to drink in hot weather.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
3. Dress appropriately
Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton and linen. Avoid dark colours and heavy fabrics.
4. Avoid spending time outside in the sun
If you must go outside, wear a hat, apply sunscreen, take a bottle of water, and stay in the shade.
If you live in an area at risk of bushfire, keep monitoring conditions, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au to learn more about preparing for bushfires.
5. Keep yourself cool
Use damp towels containing ice, put your feet in cool water and take cool (not cold) showers.
6. Keep your home cool
Block out the sun and heat by closing curtains, blinds, and windows. After the temperature drops and the sun goes down, open doors and windows to air out your home.
Use a fan or air-conditioner if you have one at home, or go to a friend or family member’s home with air-conditioning.
You can also consider visiting an air-conditioned public building to escape the heat. We have provided a list of cool spaces below.
Remember, if your home is in a bushfire-risk area and it is a day of Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating, relocate to a safer location.
7. Check on those most at risk
If you know someone who is older, has a medical condition, or is more at risk in a heatwave, including people in your neighbourhood who live alone, check in with them. Check in to see if they need help staying cool.
8. Be prepared for power outages
Heatwaves can cause power outages. Make a power-outage plan, such as a battery-operated fan and plenty of drinking water.
Have some long-life pantry items on hand that don’t require powered appliances for meal prep. Know how to be food safe during power outages.
Have a battery-powered or wind-up radio available for updates and emergency warnings. ABC 774AM is the local emergency broadcaster.
- Cool spaces to escape the heat in Casey
Many public buildings, such as shopping centres and City of Casey facilities, have air conditioning, which you may want to use if you don’t have a fan or air-conditioner at home or at a friend or family member’s home.
Some of City of Casey’s community centres are available to visit during their general opening hours Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm (not including public holidays):
The Connected Libraries are also open and welcoming of visitors during their normal hours.
When deciding to come to a City of Casey facility, you should consider:
- Your safety when travelling to and from the facility – during a heatwave, using public transport may increase your risk of heat-related illness.
- Emergency services and relief agencies will not be available at these locations - the facilities will not be set up the same as an emergency relief centre or shelter. No food relief or first aid will be available.
- During a heatwave, City of Casey facilities may also experience power outages. If the power goes out, the facility may need to close early.
Know the signs of heat related illness
Heat can cause illnesses such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion, which can lead to the life-threatening condition, heatstroke. Heatstroke is fatal in up to 80% of cases.
Heat can also worsen the condition of someone who already has a medical issue such as heart disease or diabetes. Most reported illness and death are due to the effect of heat on those who are already ill.
If you or someone you know is unwell, call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 for free 24-hour health advice or see your doctor.
In an emergency, always call Triple Zero 000.
Download our poster outlining steps to protect you and your pets in the heat; it is available in multiple languages.
Find out more
For more information on preparing for and staying safe during a heatwave, visit the Emergency Prepare and Better Health.