This summer, like that of last year, is already shaping up as a terrible trifecta of bushfires, droughts, and heatwaves. As the days get hotter, it’s important to keep cool and know how to look after yourself, your family and your furry friends during a heatwave this holiday period.

Climate change is driving longer, hotter and more intense heatwaves in Australia. Heatwaves are known as a silent killer – they cause more deaths than any other extreme weather event in Australia combined, including bushfires, floods and cyclones.

Download our ‘Surviving a Heatwave’ poster here!

Here are our top tips for how you can beat the heat this summer:

At home

• Spend time in cool, well air-conditioned placed or places with indoor fans. If you do not have air conditioning or indoor fans at home, seek out places that do, such as public libraries, shopping centres etc.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine, such as teas or coffee
• Cancel all non-essential outdoor tasks – particularly those involving physical activity
• Complete any essential outdoor tasks early in the day
• The elderly, sick and young are particularly vulnerable and should stay in cool environments, and wear cool, comfortable clothes
• Check with your local council to hear their heatwave plan

At the workplace

• Limit trips outside air-conditioned buildings; rearrange work meetings if necessary
• Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated drinks
• Ensure staff have ready access to shade and water. review workloads, including breaks

Food

• Ensure food is refrigerated properly and immediately
• Responsibly dispose of spoilt food

Transport/infrastructure

• Stay informed and up to date about planned blackouts
• Have a back-up plan in case electricity or transport (road/rail) infrastructure fails

Wildlife

• Leave out shallow containers of water for birds, possums, and other animals, placing small stones in the bottom of the container and ensuring that the water is left in a shady, protected environment (out of view from birds of prey and high enough to be safe from cats)
• If you find injured or heat-stressed wildlife, bring them into cooler environments and lightly mist with water
• If you are concerned about an animal, call a wildlife rescue centre near you.

Pets

• Ensure your pets have plenty of water and shade for the day
• If dogs or cats appear heat stressed, panting or restless, bath in cool water
• Call your vet if you are concerned about a pet

Always

• Take care of yourself
• Stay hydrated
• Stay cool
• Avoid the sun
• Keep in touch with family, friends, and neighbours
• Stay informed
• Seek medical advice if you feel unwell

IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL TRIPLE ZERO (106 FOR PEOPLE WITH A HEARING OR SPEECH IMPAIRMENT).

Download our ‘Surviving a Heatwave’ poster here!