Extreme heat kills more Australians than any natural disaster. It's important to 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

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.
• Have a discussion with your doctor about how 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
• For life-threatening emergencies call 000

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