Heat waves
What is a heat wave?
A heat wave is an extended period of too much heat often with humidity.
Excessive heat is when the temperature stays close to 10 degrees above the average temperature.
Things to do when it's hot
Keep out of the heat
- stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest part of the day, 10 am - 3 pm
- do any activity that requires effort, like exercise or gardening, during the cooler parts of the day before 10 am
- stay in the shade. If you are outside wear a hat and light loose fitting clothes, preferably natural fibres, and
- go to an air-conditioned building in your local area to cool off, such as a shopping mall or swimming pool.
Stay cool
- reduce heat from sunlight coming through the windows using external shades or light-coloured curtains
- ensure there is enough air circulation, either from an air conditioner or by leaving a secured window or door open, and
- splash yourself several times a day with cold water, especially your face and the back of your neck. A loose, cotton, damp cloth or scarf on the back of the neck can also help you stay cool.
Keep hydrated
- drink regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty - water and fruit juice are best
- avoid alcohol, tea and coffee and sugary drinks as they make dehydration worse, and
- eat little and often rather than large meals. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water.
Get help
- contact your local doctor for advice if you suffer heat related symptoms or call 000 in an emergency, and
- if you or someone you know shows signs of heat stroke, such as fits, confusion or staggering, call 000 immediately. Heat stroke is a life threatening emergency and can cause someone to collapse or fall unconscious.
Check on your neighbours
Think about people in your neighbourhood who might need your help:
- older adults living at home alone
- people with physical or intellectual disabilities
- people with mental illness
- young children
- large families, and
- people recently arrived to the area or even the country.
Heat stroke
Heatstroke can be caused by dehydration and increased exposure to heat and radiant heat.
To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and avoid activities that can cause an increase in your body heat.
Some drugs, such as ecstasy and speed, also raise the body’s temperature, while alcohol dehydrates the body.
Heat stroke symptoms
Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include:
- very high body temperature
- red, hot, dry skin with no sweating
- dry swollen tongue
- rapid pulse
- throbbing headache
- dizziness, confusion, nausea, or
- eventual unconsciousness.
What to do for heat stroke
If someone you are with develops heat stroke:
- call triple zero (000) for an ambulance
- while waiting for emergency medical help, get the person to a cool shady area and lay them down
- remove clothing and wet skin with water or wrap in wet cloths, fanning continuously
- do not give the person fluids to drink
- position an unconscious person on their side and clear their airway
- monitor the body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops below 38°C
- wait for the ambulance to urgently transport the person to hospital, where more intensive cooling and support can be given, and
- if medical attention is delayed, seek further instructions from ambulance or hospital emergency staff.
