Heatwave

Talk to your doctor about how heatwaves might affect you.

Take these steps before a heatwave to reduce your risk:

• Learn simple things you can do to stay cool in summer for less. All ACT households can get free advice through the Sustainable Home Advice Program, including advice for renters.
• Find cool places near your home. Like parks with shade, libraries, pools, and shopping centres.
• Invest in window coverings and seal gaps around windows and doors. Eligible concession cardholders can get free support with draught-proofing and window covers.
• Install energy efficient fans and reverse cycle air conditioning. Insulate your walls and ceilings. The ACT Government has developed a guide to help reduce heat when building or renovating.
• Limit use of concrete and paving around your home. Use trees for shade and increase planted surfaces using heat-resistant species. Learn how to design climate-smart gardens and landscape for the ACT climate.
• Write a list of people you could ask for assistance during a heatwave.

Stay informed by:

• checking local weather forecasts
• following ACT Health and ACT Emergency Service Agency social media channels.

On hot days, ACT Government social media channels will post advice for staying safe. Heat can impact you before a heatwave sets in and increase the risk when a heatwave occurs. Follow advice on hot days, before a heatwave happens.

High fire danger days as well as reduced air and water quality are also a risk during heatwave conditions. Monitor for:

• air and water quality changes
• generalised health alerts
• high fire danger safety warnings
• changes in local weather forecasts.

Check in with neighbours, friends and loved ones. Reach out to your list of contacts if you need assistance.

If you or someone you know becomes unwell:

• contact your doctor
• go to a walk-in centre
• call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

If you or someone in your care becomes very unwell due to heat-related illness:

• go to the nearest hospital emergency department
• call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

Stay safe in a heatwave:

• Watch for signs of heat-related illness and seek medical support if required.
• Drink enough water. Healthdirect have tips for keeping children hydrated during hot weather.
• During the hottest times of the day, stay inside and close your doors, windows, blinds and curtains. Use fans or air conditioners if you have them.
• Move to a cool refuge with air-conditioning. Like a public library or shopping centre.
• Make sure animals have a cool place to rest and access to water. Do not exercise animals during the day.
• Avoid working outdoors in the peak heat of the day, if you can. If you have to be outside, stay sun safe and follow safe working practices during hot conditions.
• Check water quality before swimming in lakes and ponds. Hot weather encourages blue-green algae to bloom.
• Monitor food safety. Food can quickly become unsafe during warm weather.

After the heatwave has passed, continue to:

• Check on neighbours, friends and loved ones. Reach out to your list of contacts if you need assistance.
• Monitor for signs of heat-related illness and seek medical support if you are worried about yourself or someone else.

Continue to reduce the risks and stay safe:

• drink enough water and remain hydrated
• open your windows and doors to let the warm air out and the cooler air in
• monitor for health alerts about air and water quality.

Consider what worked, what didn’t work and what you might do differently next time.