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Be safe in extreme heat

Extreme heat kills more Australians than any other climate disaster. Know the effects of extreme heat, who is at risk and how to prepare.

Heat health information

Access a range of heat health information – posters, postcards, brochures, guidance and videos – for practical information on what to do in extreme heat.

How could I be affected?

  • Illness (dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke)
  • Shops may close
  • Power may go out
  • Public transport services may be altered
  • Hospitals and social services may be busy
  • Ambulance waiting times could be longer
  • Fires could start
  • Some of our services may change (such as rubbish collection times and opening hours)

Who is most vulnerable?

  • Older people
  • Young children
  • People with a medical condition
  • People who speak languages other than English
  • People experiencing homelessness
  • Outdoor workers
  • People who cannot find relief from the heat

What to do in extreme heat

Cool Spaces

  • Visit your nearest Yarra Libraries branch during opening hours (free)
  • Visit a swimming pool in Collingwood, Fitzroy or Richmond (fee required)
  • Become an Open Library member to visit Yarra Libraries during extended hours (free; register now to attend an induction) 

Plan ahead

  • Keep up to date with weather forecasts.
  • Cancel non-essential outings.
  • Plan essential activities for the coolest part of the day.
  • Stock up on food, water and medicines.
  • Ask your doctor if your medicines are impacted by extreme heat.
  • Store medicines at the recommended temperature.
  • Check that your cooling systems works or requires a service.
  • 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.
  • Explore structural changes you can make to your home to improve cooling.
  • Watch or listen to news reports for more information.

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.

Check in on others

  • Look after those most at risk in the heat.
  • Keep in touch with friends and family who may need help.
  • Encourage others to drink plenty of water.
  • Offer to help those at risk by doing errands so they can avoid the heat.
  • Take at-risk people somewhere cool for the day or have them stay the night if they are unable to stay cool in their home.
  • Seek medical help if you observe symptoms of heat-related illness.
  • Don't forget your pets – provide a cool environment and plenty of water.
  • Never leave kids, adults or pets in cars – the temperature can double in minutes.

Get help

For 24-hour health advice contact Nurse-On-Call: 1300 60 60 24.

Heat stress can lead to heat stroke which can be life threatening. 

Signs of heat stress include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, irritability, thirst, and/or heavy sweating. 

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Call 000 and ask for an ambulance. 

Signs of heatstroke include a dry, swollen tongue, intense thirst, disorientation, dizziness, body temperature above 40 degrees C, slurred speech, convulsions or coma. 

If you think someone has heat stroke: 

  • Call 000. 

  • Lie them down somewhere cool with ice in a cloth placed around their neck, under their armpits and against their groin while waiting for the ambulance. 

     

For more information and additional resources, visit the Better Health Channel website.